Lesser Violetear Hovering Among San Gerardo Flowers

A Lesser Violetear hovers broadside among soft purple flowers, one wing raised and the violet ear patch and breast spot glowing against its green body at San Gerardo de Dota valley in Costa Rica. A bright violet ear patch, blue-violet breast spot and glittering green body identify this territorial mountain hummingbird. The exposure of 1/4000 sec, f/5.6 and ISO 5000 freezes the decisive body position and separates the principal wing and tail feathers while retaining only fine traces of motion at the fastest edges; the photograph was made in natural light without flash.