Mick Thompson Captures Eastside Audubon’s Photo of the Month with Unique Hummingbird Video

Mick Thompson was named the Eastside Audubon Photographer of the Month for his innovative Broad-billed Hummingbird video, shot in Arizona. This marks Thompson's fifth win and is the first time a video has claimed the honor.

The video showcases the hummingbird in extraordinary detail, filmed using the OM-1 Mark II and a 150-400mm lens. The high-definition footage, shot at 240 frames per second and slowed down tenfold, reveals mesmerizing wing movements.

“The black background was the result of setting the flower in bright sunlight while the background was in the shade,” Thompson explained. “By properly exposing for the flower, the background is severely underexposed and comes out black.”

The video’s technical specs include a shutter speed of 1/125 seconds and an aperture of f/5.6. It was later upscaled to 4K resolution using Topaz Video AI.

The Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is a small bird native to the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central America, measuring 3.5–4 inches in length and weighing about 3–4 grams. Males feature metallic green plumage, a blue throat, and a bright red bill, while females are duller with gray undersides. Found in arid habitats, they feed on nectar and insects. This species is admired for its vibrant colors and energetic behavior.

See more of Mick’s work on Instagram.

About the Eastside Audubon Photograph of the Month Award

The Photo of the Month award was instituted to recognize the work of the Photo Group Members. The group members meet monthly to show their latest photos and videos as well as share their knowledge of photography and wildlife. To attend the meetings, please join the group’s announcement list.