Looking for the Purple Flash

Have you ever watched the sunset and hoped that you would see a "green flash"? Living near the ocean, watching the sun set is something that many cherish. Many will walk to the nearest viewpoint or if driving, pull over to watch the sun set into the ocean. Sometimes the colors in the sky are so spectacular, everyone tries to capture it on their cameras. When watching the sun set, I always wonder if this one will show that magical green flash at the end. I have witnessed this phenomenon only a few times in my life but just recently after the rain, there was that beautiful magical green flash seen by everyone!  Today, I am heading to the Flintkote Ave trail at Torrey Pines State Reserve to see if I can capture something just as illusive as the green flash at sunset... the magical "purple flash" of a Black-chinned Hummingbird.

The huge thick mud puddle from the last rainfall has dried enough in front of the gate at the trail entrance to walk without the mud surrounding my hiking boots. A Black-chinned Hummingbird has returned to Flintkote again this year so today I was determined to get a shot of the purple metallic color on his chin. Most of the time it looks black. My hope was to see if I could capture that beautiful "purple flash" that shows with the right light and angle. The gate is the area where he can be found protecting his flower patch. Here are some shots of this cutie.

A young Allen's Hummingbird intrudes into the Black-chinned hummer's territory. 

Keeping a lookout for the Black-chinned hummer, this youngster awaits his chance to sneak into the flower patch for nectar.

 The Black-chinned Hummingbird is always on the lookout for intruders.

"Purple flash"!

Yes, today was the day that I finally got a good look at the magical "purple flash" of the Black-chinned Hummingbird! Tired from chasing all the intruder from his favorite flower patch, the Black-chinned Hummer takes a quick rest. Happy to get some shots of this little beauty, it's time for me to head for home.

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

 Happy Mother's Day everyone!