This very rare albino ruby-throated hummingbird was spotted in Staunton, Virginia, and photographed by Marlin D. Shank, 16. Marlin, his brothers, and his father took a number of pictures of the bird in August 2011.
This photo and more were posted January 27 on Discovery News. Still more photos appear on the Shanks’ own Nature Friend Magazine.
Those are the facts. Behind the facts is my incredible excitement about these spectacular photos and the fact that such a bird even exists. Albinos of any species generally don’t last very long in the wild without their normal camouflage. And hummers are only 3-4″ long — almost too small to be thought of as birds at all. Nests the size of golf balls. Eggs the size of Tic Tacs. The ability to hover and even fly backwards. They are one of nature’s most exquisite creations. And now this. Wow.
Incredible images. I love hummingbirds.
I’ve been a nature lover, bird watcher, and amateur photographer all my life, and I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a single bird.
What an incredible find; the hummingbird. I have never seen one before.
Then you might enjoy the live hummingbird nest cam. Two eggs due to hatch in mid-February. I was preparing a post about it when I came across this.
You’re not kidding on “showstopper.” I saw that and yelled out “woah” so loud, I think I startled my deaf dog. Phenomenal capture and photography! Amazing!!!!
Nice to hear I’m not the only one whooping it up over this.
Not at all! I’m in the process of posting on my photo site. An incredible find and amazing photos! Wow!!
Nature constantly amazes with its complexity and beauty. IMO this makes a nice companion piece to Izaak Mak’s post on geographic beauty this morning. To see it, click on his name – he was the first commenter here.
He does dig up amazing stuff, doesn’t he.
Wow, thanks for the plug Jim!
I love these little birds…I have a Fire Thornbush outside my window and Hummingbirds love them various times of the year. I enjoy watching them…so tiny 😀 I have not seen an albino, how lovely the photo is.
Lucky you! I’ve never had a chance to watch hummers on a daily basis. (When I first encountered them as a child, I thought I was being buzzed by big insects!) I hope you followed the links to see the other photos.
Amazing! Thanks for the links. (I never can get a good shot of the little guys that visit outside the window here on the Lantana- but love watching them)
You need a good, fast lens, but they are quite tolerant of people standing near them while they feed. It’s been many years, but I got a few shots one time of one hovering at a feeder.
That’s a chance of a lifetime..truly awesome,gorgeous lil hummer..Thank you for sharing…So enjoyed seeing that..
Hope you check the links to see ALL the photos. And thanks for visiting PT.