Hummingbirds

 

Hummingbirds in Florida – Tiny Jewels of the Sunshine State

Florida may be famous for its herons, egrets, and spoonbills, but it also plays host to one of the most dazzling avian visitors—the hummingbird. Known for their iridescent feathers, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair, hummingbirds are a true delight for bird lovers and photographers alike.

Species You’ll See in Florida

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird – The only species that breeds in Florida. Males sport a brilliant red throat that flashes in sunlight, while females have a plain white throat. They arrive in spring, nest during the warmer months, and some overwinter in the southern parts of the state.

  

  Ruby-throated hummingbird.

• Seasonal Visitors – In winter, a few other species occasionally appear, such as the Black-chinned Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird, often spotted by dedicated birdwatchers in gardens and parks.

When and Where to Spot Them

• Spring & Fall Migration – Peak times for sightings, especially along the Gulf Coast and in gardens with nectar-rich flowers.

• Year-Round in South Florida – Warmer temperatures mean that some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds stay all year.

• Best Locations – Botanical gardens, coastal nature reserves, and backyards with feeders and native flowering plants.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard

1. Plant Native Flowers – Coral honeysuckle, firebush, and salvia are favorites.

2. Use Feeders Wisely – A simple sugar-water mix (4 parts water to 1 part sugar, no dye) works perfectly. Clean feeders every few days to prevent mold and bacteria.

3. Provide Shelter – Small trees and shrubs offer perching and nesting spots.

Fun Facts

• Hummingbirds beat their wings about 50 times per second.

• They have excellent memories and will return to the same feeder year after year.

• Despite their size, they are fiercely territorial, often chasing away much larger birds from their food sources.

More Megapixels, more problems?

In my opinion, the ideal resolution range for a camera is between 24 megapixels and 35 megapixels. While more megapixels may be beneficial in certain situations, they shouldn’t be the primary factor when choosing a camera.

 

During the last weekend

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to take more pictures of hummingbirds—this time with better lighting, which made a big difference in the quality of the images.

 Another thing I did was test a Fujifilm FinePix S8200. This 16-megapixel camera is perfect for young people looking to start in wildlife photography. The autofocus, however, is slow—so it’s not ideal for action shots like birds in flight or sports photography. Shooting indoors can be challenging, but you can still get nice results using the built-in flash. Image sharpness isn’t on par with what you’d get from a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but the zoom is impressive and will satisfy beginners. Best of all, you can find it on eBay for around $60. Here is one of the pictures I took using this camera after editing it in LrC.

 

For sure, instead of paying $60 for a kid’s camera on Amazon or elsewhere, I’d rather spend that money on this camera from the second-hand market.

This is concerning

 There are people out there who love to take what doesn’t belong to them—especially your camera gear.

I have installed a quick release plate to my camera that carries an Airtag. Just in case. I may get some more Airtags for my Camera bags. Just in case. 

Are you using the viewfinder?

 Tom Northup, a fantastic photographer and influencer, is asking you to stop using the viewfinder and start using the rear screen. 

I personally love the viewfinder. Like Tony explains, when you are shooting mostly wildlife or sometimes sports, it's hard to focus using the rear screen. But I see his points. I may give it a try. 

The secret that many do not know

 You can get a MacBook Air for a fraction of the price—and still enjoy Apple’s 1-year warranty!

Refurbished laptops may come with minor scratches or cosmetic imperfections, but they’ve been thoroughly inspected and repaired by the manufacturer. When you buy through this link, you're purchasing directly from Apple. And here’s the best part: when I bought my MacBook Air M3, it arrived looking just like a brand-new machine—no scratches, no defects. It was packaged exactly like a new MacBook Air. Honestly, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference!

Stop struggling with your old laptop or trying to edit videos on your iPhone. And just so you know—this isn’t a sponsored post. This is not an affiliate link. I'm not getting paid by Apple. I’m simply sharing my personal experience, nothing more. I’m sharing this to show how happy I am with my purchase after three months of using it to edit my photos and videos. 

The Best Used DSLR Cameras Under $500

 According to KEH, the used camera and lenses store that I trust, here are the best DSLRs for under $500.

 

•  Nikon D5600: A well-rounded DSLR with features for both beginners and more experienced shooters.
•  Canon EOS 1300D: Simple controls and helpful auto modes make this ideal for new photographers.
•  Pentax K-70: A rugged, weather-sealed DSLR that is great for outdoor adventures.