Male Anna's - Image courtesy of Hilary Joy Morejon - Hummingbirds By Joy

These charismatic animals have long been revered for their beauty and grace. Their plumage changes color and shifts with every movement. But what is it about these feathers that makes them so mesmerizing? It turns out that the secret to their iridescence lies in the structure of the feathers themselves.

Unlike most birds with flat smooth feathers colored with chemical pigments, hummingbirds have plumes with a complex, three-dimensional structure. This structure is comprised of tiny, tightly packed scales overlapping, creating a strong and lightweight feather.

These intricate structures functioning as microscopic prisms give hummingbird feathers their iridescent appearance. Light hits the feathers and is refracted and reflected at specific angles, creating a shimmering, beaming effect.

While this iridescent quality is certainly visually appealing, it also serves an essential function for hummingbirds. The bright colors of their feathers - most conspicuous on the males - help them to attract mates, and the shimmering effect may help to fight competitors, scaring them with a fire-like effect.

Written by: Juan Bahamon

If you want to learn how to take pictures of hummingbirds with all their glory, please, join me at my next hummingbird photography course in September 2023. More information at www.photo-sapiens.net

We couldn't be happier with the cover of next year's official calendar for The International Hummingbird Society! We have calendar spaces available, still. For a contribution of $250, dedicated spaces are available for loved ones, in memory or in honor, kudos to the society, or a tribute to your favorite hummingbird. Email us at: info@hummingbirdsociety.org to claim your spot while they last!

Our 2023 calendar is still available. Click button below to order yours, today.

Lucky for you! You can still enjoy them time and time again. If you go to our website you can purchase them there. Calliope members and above can watch them for free! Click button below to learn from world class hummingbird experts and more! *The video package does not include Beth Kingsley Hawkins and Carole Turek's presentations.

Image Courtesy of Hilary Joy Morejon - Hummingbirds By Joy

We finally captured an image of the female Anna's sitting on her nest! We were also able to peek inside the nest and only found one egg. Mother hummingbirds typically lay two eggs (clutch). She will lay her first egg then the next one a day or two later. We notice that she keeps adding nearby material to her nest. Look at how tall it is! Beth can see her nest from her desk at the society. We figure she could read the Hummingbird Society sign and felt welcomed and protected. We will keep you updated on the next phase of this magical experience!