Dave W.'s photostream  

This Gray Hairstreak was nectaring on white clover in my front yard. They should start flying in my part of Virginia in April. With the recent warm weather, there have been a lot of Cabbage Whites flying in early March, but little else.

The orange on the abdomen that indicates this is a male is hidden here, but was evident in other images.

August 22, 2010, Lakewood subdivision, Rockingham County, Virginia.

I was surprised by the amount of bluish-gray that appeared on this Gray Hairstreak when the sun hit its wings at a certain angle. Other images taken the same day showed the wings above to be a rather uniform medium flat gray.

June 3, 2012, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sandbridge, Virginia.

Even when seen on a rainy day, this male Violet Sabrewing hummingbird is visually stunning. It is difficult for a field guide to adequately portray the plumage when the light is right.

This was taken in an area of extensive beautiful gardens with a number of active hummingbird feeders.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica, February 27, 2011.

The Green Violetear was one of five species of hummingbirds regularly seen in the gardens near the hotel where I stayed in spring 2011 on a guided birding trip to Costa Rica. I've been going through my archives to find some additional views I didn't post last spring.

Although shot at a distance in the shade, I liked the look this shot provided of the bird's back and tail.

Savegre Mountain Hotel, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, March 4, 2011.

In reviewing this image of a male White-throated Mountain-gem in flight, I almost immediately noticed the deformity in the bill.

Since I didn't notice it while capturing the images, I don't know if it hindered the bird in feeding. I have to wonder if it would influence the ability to attract a mate or to feed young if it did mate.

Savegre Mountain Hotel, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, March 4, 2011.