Today, I’m heading back to Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon, AZ for hummingbird photography. I had some practice earlier this year in March when I visited Costa Rica and had a chance to use my two-flash hummingbird rig, something I’ve done in Arizona for several years but it was a first time using it in Costa Rica. The purpose of the flash is to add a kiss of light to bring out the bird’s colors. This is a male Green-breasted Mango, looking like a cross between an emerald and a sapphire. This is a hummingbird that does not migrate north to Madera Canyon so I won’t see it in Arizona. But lots of other wonderful hummers do visit there so I’m looking forward to seeing some of my old favorites like the Broad-billed Hummingbird and the Rivoli’s Hummingbird both with colors so iridescent that they look like flying gems. And, speaking of flying gems, perhaps a few of the rarer hummers like the Blue-throated Mountain Gem might make an appearance. Watch this space.