Winged Jewels

Hylocharis chrysura by Gabriel Paladino Ibáñez Via Flickr: • Gilded Sapphire • Picaflor Bronceado • Beija-flor-dourado Scientific classification Kingdom:Animalia Phylum:Chordata Class:Aves Order:Apodiformes Family:Trochilidae Genus:Hylocharis Species:H. chrysura Paso Centurión, Cerro Largo, Uruguay

Buff-winged Starfrontlet, male by Jay Packer Via Flickr: This handsome hummingbird is found in temperate and elfin forests near treeline in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and barely into northern Peru. Hacienda El Bosque, Colombia

Longuemare's Sunangel, male by Jay Packer Via Flickr: Previously considered to be a subspecies of the more southern Amethyst-throated Sunangel, the recently split Longuemare's Sunangel occurs in the eastern Andes and Perijá Mountains of Colombia and into adjacent Venezuela. ProAves Chamicero del Perijá Reserve, Perijá Mountains, Colombia

Sword-billed Hummingbird by Jay Packer Via Flickr: With the longest bill relative to body size of any bird in the world, this insane hummingbird makes the top of the "most wanted" list for most people. It occurs at high elevations above 8,000 feet in the Andes Mountains from Venezuela to Bolivia, where it feeds on deep tubular flowers. Hacienda El Bosque, Colombia

Collared Inca by Jay Packer Via Flickr: Found from Venezuela to Bolivia in Andean cloud forest above 6,500 feet, this hummingbird is readily identified by its black-and-white tuxedo plumage. Montezuma Road, Tatamá National Park, Colombia

Shining Sunbeam by Jay Packer Via Flickr: This large cinnamon-colored hummingbird of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru is common in high elevation Andean cloud forests from about 8,000 to 14,000 feet. Unlike most hummingbirds, the color is on the back, presenting a unique challenge for photographers to capture a pose that shows the color but also the head. Hacienda El Bosque, Colombia

Lazuline Sabrewing, male by Jay Packer Via Flickr: This large hummingbird is found in montane Andean forests from Venezuela to Ecuador. ProAves El Dorado Reserve, Cuchilla San Lorenzo, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, Colombia

Empress Brilliant, male by Jay Packer Via Flickr: This large, spectacular hummingbird occurs in wet Andean cloud forests of Ecuador and Colombia. Montezuma Road, Tatamá National Park, Colombia

Lucifer Hummingbird, male by Jay Packer Via Flickr: Christmas Mountains Oasis, Brewster County, TX

Rufous-gaped Hillstar by Jay Packer Via Flickr: This species is an uncommon foothill and cloud forest resident with a limited range on the west slope of the Andes from central Colombia to northwest Ecuador. Montezuma Road, Tatamá National Park, Colombia

Velvet-purple Coronet by Jay Packer Via Flickr: Montezuma Road, Tatamá National Park, Colombia

Chin Scratcher by Dan Ripplinger Via Flickr: Ruby-throated Hummingbird taking time out to scratch his chin. I still have more males than females visiting the feeders. Later on in the season the males will be hard to find. Thanks for the visit

Feathering the Nest_08013 by Dan Ripplinger Via Flickr: Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on Black and Blue Salvia. Note the feather in her grip. I'm sure she's taking this back to the nest to add to the comforts of home. I have started to see more females at the feeder. I guess that means the females are beginning to come off the nest and that there should be more photo opportunities in the near future. We're having fun now (except for the blasted heat wave). I can only stand to be out in the heat between 7 and 9 am so that limits my shooting time. I hope you had a great Fourth of July. Thanks for visiting.

Next Flower Please by Dan Ripplinger Via Flickr: Ruby-throated Hummingbird ready for the next red Salvia flower. Thanks for visiting.

Ready for the Challenger_00056 by Dan Ripplinger Via Flickr: Ruby-throated Hummingbird ready to defend his territory. I usually see my first hummingbird on the 25th of April. That's tomorrow. You know I'm excited to have them back. Thanks again for all the visits and comments.

Showing Off_DSC0392 by Dan Ripplinger Via Flickr: Juvenile male Ruby-throated Hummingbird spreading his tail feathers. Thanks to all for visiting.

Perched near the Cannas_DSC2025 by Dan Ripplinger Via Flickr: Fluffy Ruby-throated Hummingbird perched in the garden. Thanks for visiting.