To freeze the wings of the hummingbird in a picture, a very fast shutter speed is necessary. I generally try to use 1/4000 sec to 1/5000 sec, if there is enough ambient light to expose at such a fast shutter speed.

This hummingbird is likely a female since she is missing the distinctive Ruby-throat of the male that gives the species its name. Juvenile males also lack the red throat, but they often have a speckling of dark throat feathers that increase in number as they age and their adult colors start to come in.

We often try to attract hummingbirds with a feeder. Feeders are most useful for periods before many of the favorites are in bloom. The best way to attract hummingbirds is to plant their preferred native species. In my yard, the hummingbirds love Cardinal Flower, Great Blue Lobelia, Monkey Flower, Coneflower, Ironweed, Milkweed, Blazing Star, Bee Balm, and Columbine.

Nonnative annuals like Zinnias and Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower) are also hummingbird favorites.