26 Apr Blame Ross for This | April 2016

Blame Ross for This

Rivoli’s Hummingbird, Male, Photo taken at the Santa Rita Lodge, Madera Canyon, AZ

We can blame Ross for this.

First, I’m responsible for the above photo (because I took it).

And Ross is responsible for everything else.

Here’s how.

He ran a small ad in a birding magazine, which I saw in April 2014.

In response to that ad, I visited the web site. Then I phoned to speak with Ross.

A week later Ross asked me to speak at the 2015 Hummingbird Festival on the topic: “How to Take Photos of Hummingbirds.”

I agreed. Now I needed a presentation plus more photos of hummingbirds.

So I:

1) Attended the 2014 Sedona Hummingbird Festival (and took more than 10,000 photos in hummingbird gardens).

2) Spent three weeks in Arizona during April 2015 (where I took more than 20,000 photos).

3) Prepared, tested, and revised my presentation.

As a result, my presentation at the 2015 Sedona Hummingbird Festival delighted the audience with an educational celebration of hummingbird photography.

And so let’s note that  Ross is responsible for the achievements, growth, and learning that resulted from his request.

By the way, I owe you a bit more information.

Ross Hawkins is the remarkable man who founded the Hummingbird Society. He did this to: 1) Educate people about hummingbirds, and 2) Preserve endangered hummingbirds.

The Hummingbird Festival is a major event. A thousand people gather to attend presentations, go on hummingbird garden tours, shop in the expo, and mingle with wonderful people. Many combine attendance at the Festival with a vacation in Sedona, AZ.

Rivoli’s Hummingbird, Male, Photo taken at the Chuparosa B&B, Madera Canyon, AZ

The Rivoli’s Hummingbird looks like this when it’s in focus.

Rivoli’s Hummingbirds are difficult to photograph. They generally live in Southwestern forests at elevations of 5,000 – 9,000 ft (1,500 – 2,700 m). If they visit a feeder, they stay only seconds, unless they’re in a hurry. Otherwise, they feed on wildflowers and small bugs.

Final Thought

This reminds us that our small actions can cause large changes in other people’s lives.

Because of one man, I gained priceless friendships, wonderful memories, and rare photos.

I can thank Ross for this.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

Sad Update: July 9, 2020

We lost Ross Hawkins today.

Ross was one of the most incredible people I ever met. His drive and enthusiasm lifted everyone. It was an honor to have known him. I deeply admire and respect all that he did to make the world better.

Birding Resources

The Hummingbird Society – Organization dedicated to the preservation of hummingbirds

North American Hummingbirds, by George C. West – Outstanding book about hummingbirds

Places to See Hummingbirds in Arizona

I’ve stayed at the following and recommend all of them.

Casa de San Pedro, Hereford, AZ

Chuparosa Bed and Breakfast, Madera Canyon, AZ

Santa Rita Lodge, Madera Canyon, AZ

You can help – Please share this blog with others.

Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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