In the area where we found the Plain-capped Starthroat, these huge insects were flying all over and landing on the plants around us. It's hard to judge from this photo, but this was one huge bug! It was like being in a monster movie. I wish I knew what it was.
Another shot of Bugzilla.
As we walked over a bridge, a swarm of Cliff Swallows engulfed us.
They all had darkish foreheads, suggesting they were of the Mexican subspecies.
It was, again, like a scene out of Hollywood.
Better to be surrounded by birds than giant bugs, though.
Such deft flyers...and a challenge for a photographer!
"Mexican" Cliff Swallow
If you click on the photo, you can clearly see that his forehead is darker than what we're used to seeing in New England.
At Madera Kubo's, many hummingbirds were hanging out by the feeders,
like this male Broad-billed Hummingbird.
Broad-billed Hummingbird
But nothing that day beat the excitement of spending time with this guy,
a male Magnificent Hummingbird.
Look how dark he looks from this angle!
From here, too, he just looks black and green.
Important to note those central tail feathers...green all the way to the end.
But what's so magnificent?
From the right angle...
Wow, what a difference!
His colors fluctuate with every twist and turn.
The purple forehead doesn't always show...
But when he looks right at you, shazam!
Thanks to Bill and everyone else who shared this great experience in Arizona with me! There's not too many places in the world I'd rather be than Arizona!
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