Xantus Hummingbird

The Xantus Hummingbird is one of three endemic birds to the Baja Peninsula, specifically the southern end. The XH appears in various locations down there. I found this bird in a beautiful garden outside of Todos Santos, which is on the southwest side of the Baja near the very bottom.

 

If I'm honest, my luck was ridiculously good. I took a two hour bus ride, walked 3 km up some hills on dusty roads (the previous image is taken from that walk). As soon as I arrived at what I believed was the likely location, I heard the hummingbird give its distinctive one-note chirp. I glanced upward, and there he was. I got pretty good shots before he flew off to other parts of this very well maintained garden of flowers and cacti.

 

I then walked down to the water to look for gulls and photograph Frigate birds. Once I had finished that, I thought I might as well have another look for the Xantus Hummingbird. This time he landed on the leaf of an Agave Cactus with the sun hitting him and illuminating the spaces between the cactus's other leaves.

 

I have to put in the effort to find the birds. The bird also has to be in the same place at the same time as I. Those are pretty great odds. Getting a glorious shot is just great luck.

 

This is an example of what I call Apex Birding: go look for a lifer; find the lifer; capture a photo that I am 100% happy with.

Done