1/1500 at f/4.8

...that is what it takes to almost freeze the wing beat.  On average, a ruby-throated hummingbird beats it's wings 55 times per second; during courtship displays, however, the males can top 200 beats per second!  

I was spoiled for choices today, having some wonderful butterflies in the garden, Ursula the Garden Spider with prey, and a few other odds and ends.  However, I kept coming back to this shot.  This is probably an adult female who has begun her molt.  The feathers are definitely a bit worn which wouldn't be the case with a youngster.  She was vying for position with two males who were both trying to guard the same feeder.  She'd sneak in while one male was off chasing the other; dipping down into the flowers when they returned, as seen here.  There are five feeders out there, plus loads of good nectar flowers but that doesn't stop the hummers from being extremely zealous in their attempts to guard feeders/flower patches.  

I posted four other shots starting HERE on Flickr - male hummer, butterfly, spider, another butterfly.  If you're interested.

Good visit with MIL this afternoon.  I wish she was able to remember that her daughter will be here by this time next week; but no matter how often I tell her, it's gone 30 seconds later.  So, I just keep telling her.  What else can you do?

Major thunder storms coming through right now, so I may shut down the computer for a bit.  Some of the thunder is sounding quite close, so no sense taking any chances.

Thank you so much for the love on my lady beetle's bum yesterday!

xo
Debbi