So going from huge California Pelicans to more sublime and diminutive California hummingbirds, I came across the little beauty of Figure 1, a rufus hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) under a tree at La Jolla cove. For a New Englander always in search of ruby throats, California is a hummingbird paradise. Indeed, we were delighted for the whole month by “Hubert” and Anna’s Hummingbird, who lived in a tree in our garden. Under trees are, on the other hand, dangerous places for David, who has a tendency to bang his head on overhanging limbs that are obscured by the rim of his cap. TC is ever on me for this and I try very hard. But …

So much appeals to me about the image. First, are the subtle iridescent colors of the bird especially the greens on top of its head. Second, is the green slate background that complements these green feathers. Third, is the bokeh, always a plus! And fourth, are the delicate lichens on the branches, which complements the rufus feathers on the bird.

Canon T2i with EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM lens at 250 mm, 1/125 th sec at f/7.1, ISO 800, Aperture Priority AE mode.