Lucifer Hummingbird courtship display

For years I've been trying to get photos of the display that do it justice. There are 4 previous posts where my unsatisfactory efforts are shown (Apr 15, 2011, Apr 21, 2011, May 2, 2011, and Apr 24, 2012  Or you can just click on Lucifer HU on the right index of this page). Mostly I've been too busy helping birders get their photos or life birds during the time of year the Lucifers display to sit still long enough and focus my attention long enough to be very successful. Then there's always the myriad chores that need doing.

Recently a group of birders was visiting, and one of the group, Ron Cook of Tyler, TX, sat in the viewing area while the rest of us wandered around looking for birds (He was recovering from hip replacement surgery.) He is also a skilled photographer and just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The Lucifers did their thing right in front of him and the light was right. He caught all the action. It was very generous of him to share his photos with me and allow me permission to share them. To me, these photos are treasures and have re-inspired me to try harder to take my own. Without further ado, these are a few that he took.

Male strutting his stuff  (Photo courtesy of Ron Cook)

Female accepting male (Photo courtesy of Ron Cook)

Copulation (Photo courtesy of Ron Cook)

I should mention that this particular female is one we banded, probably in 2009 or 2010. You can tell by her gorget feathers, which is unusual to see on a female Lucifer Hummingbird.