How I Photographed the Marvelous Spatuletail
Sony A1, Sony 600mm
f/4, 1/640, ISO 8000
If you’re planning a trip to Peru and don’t have the Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis) on your must-see list, you’re missing out on one of the most extraordinary experiences in the world! This elusive hummingbird, with its dazzlingly long tail and delicate, racket-shaped feathers, is a photographer’s dream. It’s a magnificent species found only in a small region of Peru, primarily because it’s classified as Near Threatened. The body of the Marvelous Spatuletail may be small, but its impact on those who witness it is immense.
A Journey Back to Peru: Rekindling an Old Passion
My first trip to Peru was back in 2009. Like many tourists, I visited the iconic Machu Picchu and other popular sites. Back then, my photography was limited to a basic point-and-shoot camera, and while I did manage to snap a few shots of hummingbirds, I knew I hadn’t even scratched the surface. Life was simpler then, but my passion for capturing the beauty of nature had only grown stronger over the years. It became clear that I needed to return, this time with a singular goal: to find and photograph the Marvelous Spatuletail.
Connecting with a Local Expert: The Key to Success
When planning my return trip for 2023, I knew I needed an expert guide who understood both the local environment and the nuances of wildlife photography. Enter Jose Luis Avendaño Medina, a skilled photographer and guide whose Instagram feed is a treasure trove of stunning bird images. After exchanging a few messages, it was clear that Jose was the perfect person to help me achieve my goal. We meticulously planned our itinerary, with the Marvelous Spatuletail as our top priority.
I have an insane Excel list of all 365 hummingbirds and their locations. I create a new worksheet for each trip with targets, like I did for Peru, to zero in on the locations and which hummingbirds are there. It's not the full list, but it gives you an idea of how serious and detailed a person I am.
Yellow has already been photographed elsewhere.
Green are new targets.
A total of 25 new species at the end of this trip!
Huembo Lodge: The Hummingbird Haven
Our journey took us to Huembo Lodge, a renowned hotspot for the Marvelous Spatuletail. If you’ve ever watched a hummingbird expert’s YouTube channel or followed bird enthusiasts on social media, you’ve probably heard of this place. The excitement I felt as we approached the lodge was palpable. I was about to walk in the footsteps of countless others who had come before me, each hoping to capture a glimpse of this spectacular bird.
The Perfect Guide: Why Jose Made All the Difference
Jose’s deep knowledge of the area and its wildlife was invaluable. As a fellow photographer, he understood the technical and creative aspects of capturing the perfect shot. He knew exactly where to place feeders and how to position me to catch the Marvelous Spatuletail in flight. His ability to anticipate the bird’s behavior allowed me to focus on my photography without worrying about the logistics. Having a guide who is also a photographer can make all the difference; they know how to optimize lighting, backgrounds, and other critical elements that turn a good photo into a great one.
An Intimate Encounter: The Marvelous Spatuletail in All Its Glory
One of the most thrilling moments of the trip came when Jose mentioned a secret spot where the Marvelous Spatuletail was known to perch. He had scouted the area earlier while I was busy photographing at another location. “Anthony, come quickly! He’s there!” Jose called out with excitement. We hurried through the dense foliage, ducking under branches until Jose signaled for us to stop. “Quiet now. Let’s go slow and respect the Marvelous’ habitat,” he whispered.
As we entered a small clearing, there he was—the Marvelous Spatuletail, perched gracefully on a bent branch. His vibrant plumage and those iconic racket-shaped tail feathers were even more stunning in person. I was in complete awe. Watching him chirp, look around, and flutter his tail was like witnessing a masterpiece come to life.
Sony A1, Sony 600mm, 1.4 teleconverter
f/5.6, 1/800, ISO 10,000
Photographing the Marvelous in such a dense, shaded environment was challenging. The light filtering through the trees created tricky hotspots, and my 600mm lens was almost too powerful for the close quarters. But I was determined to capture his behavior without disturbing him. Sometimes, I used the 600mm with a 1.4x teleconverter to fill the frame while keeping a respectful distance. The results were beyond my wildest dreams—shots of his tail feathers fanned out in every direction, each one more beautiful than the last. It was one of those “pinch me” moments that I’ll never forget.
Sony A1, Sony 600mm
f/4, 1/800, ISO 8000
Sony A1, Sony 600mm
f/4, 1/640, ISO 8000
A Photographer’s Challenge: Capturing the Marvelous
Photographing the Marvelous Spatuletail is no easy task. His chest features a striking combination of white and black feathers, and beneath the black stripe, there’s a subtle coloration that I hadn’t noticed in other photos. Proper exposure was crucial, especially when trying to capture the intricate details of his head and gorget. The challenge only added to the excitement, making every successful shot feel like a major victory.
One of the highlights of the experience was witnessing the Marvelous Spatuletail’s unique mating dance—a vertical display that’s as mesmerizing as it is rare. While I only managed to capture one slightly out-of-focus shot, it offers a glimpse into this incredible courtship ritual. I also took several videos of this stunning bird, hoping to preserve the memory of his elegance and grace.
A New Opportunity: Chasing the Gray-chinned Hermit
Even after such a rewarding experience, the adventure wasn’t over. Jose mentioned that a nearby property, about an hour and a half away, had recently become a favorite spot for the Marvelous Spatuletail. The owners had invited us to visit, and since I was already satisfied with my photos, I thought, “Why not?” They also had the Gray-chinned Hermit, another species I wanted to add to my list.
Every garden we visited had a different setup. Some were designed with bird watchers in mind, while others catered to photographers. This location was more geared toward bird watchers, with feeders close to the rails of a slightly elevated platform. My 600mm lens was almost too much for the proximity, and even though I brought my 100-400mm lens, the light conditions made it difficult to get any useful shots. To top it off, the Marvelous only briefly appeared in the late afternoon, just before sunset. I managed to capture one shot of a juvenile—a photo that required a lot of post-processing, even to show nonetheless.
Sony A1, Sony 600mm
f/5, 1/500, ISO 32,000
A Mixed Experience at Huembo Lodge
Now, let me share a bit about my experience at Huembo Lodge. The location itself is stunning, with a wide variety of hummingbird species that are active and plentiful. I was able to add several new species to my count, including the Little Woodstar, another near-threatened species. However, the service at the lodge left much to be desired. The staff seemed disinterested and unmotivated, which was surprising given the high standards of Peruvian hospitality I had experienced elsewhere.
One incident, in particular, stood out. I wanted to buy a t-shirt as a souvenir to commemorate my time photographing the Marvelous Spatuletail. The t-shirts were locked in a display case, and when I asked to see them, the staff’s lack of enthusiasm made the whole experience uncomfortable. Eventually, they helped me, but it felt like I was more of a burden than a guest.
There was also a troubling situation involving the lodge’s manager. He had purchased land across the street and set up a rival operation, attracting the Marvelous Spatuletail to his property while still working at Huembo. This meant that visitors now had to trek up a steep hill to see the bird, rather than enjoying a leisurely walk down to where the Marvelous used to be found. It felt like double-dipping and left a bad taste in my mouth.
**Current update: I was informed that the managers of the property are no longer accepting visitors and revenue, and have taken down the feeders on their premises.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Journey
Despite the mixed experience at Huembo Lodge, my trip to Peru in search of the Marvelous Spatuletail was nothing short of extraordinary. The thrill of tracking down such a rare and beautiful species, the challenges of capturing it on camera, and the joy of seeing my photos afterward made it an adventure I’ll cherish forever. The Marvelous Spatuletail is more than just a bird—it’s a symbol of the incredible biodiversity that Peru has to offer and a reminder of why we must work to protect these fragile ecosystems.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a wildlife photographer, or simply someone who loves nature, I highly recommend adding the Marvelous Spatuletail to your list of must-see species. And if you do, take a moment to soak in the experience, respect the bird’s habitat, and appreciate the incredible journey you’re on. Because, in the end, it’s not just about the photos or the species count—it’s about the memories you make along the way.
After the trip, one of my first enamel pins was of the Marvelous Spatuletail. These pins are still available in my online store. Link below.
Photographs of my Marvelous Spatuletail has gained international interest.
International Hummingbird Society 2025 Calendar featured a few of my works including this speices.
Hummingbird Conservation Networks 2024 Calendar featured a few of my works including this speices.
International Hummingbird Society lens cloth featured Anthony’s photograph on their exclusive limited edition microfiber lens cloth for both new and renewing members in 2024.
I was given Commended in a international photography competition.
Visit Jose Medina’s guide page on my website.
Visit the Marvelous Spatuletail page on my website to learn more about the species.
Please note: The content provided here reflects Anthony’s personal experience as a dedicated photographer and details the specific methods he has utilized to successfully photograph this particular hummingbird species. It is important to understand that many complex factors are at play in the world of photography, and therefore not everyone may have the same experiences or outcomes as Anthony. Individual circumstances, varying levels of expertise, camera gear, and distinct approaches can all significantly influence the final results.