gourmetbiologist

I am, but can't practice in Philadelphia.

So Males are really good at patrolling one or two feeders, making it so no other Hummingbirds use those feeders. Putting out more feeders will decrease the competition, so he can no longer dominate the feeder. Or separating the feeders so they can't be seen by the individual can also work.

It depends on the photos but usually using multiple corss angle flashes in a very low setting with very larger diffusers, or using specialized black felt that counters the flash. So usually I'm lugging a lot of gear into the field, everything I photograph is in the field, not a lab or anything.

This is the normal way people attract them, they are usually searching out for sources that give them similar nutrients, similar to sugar water. So you're providing a source of food, which can be vital in some areas, depending on your location.

I think the first time I went to the tropics, it still stands out. I had wanted to go to the rainforest since I was a little kid. The first morning I opened the door, a toucan flew into a tree and parrots were squawking loudly, I knew this is what I wanted to see all the time.