In the misty cloud forests of Panama, brilliant flashes of color give way to aerial combat as tiny birds clash over a single bloom. In this behind-the-scenes look at photographing high-speed hummingbird battles with a multi-flash rig, wildlife photographer Jared Lloyd reveals the hidden aggression behind their iridescent beauty. From the mythology of Aztec gods to the physiology that fuels their fury, this article unpacks the science—and the spectacle—of why hummingbirds fight, and how capturing it on camera is both art and endurance.

Winter is here and with comes some of the best wildlife photography of the year, if only we know how animals respond to the changes in the air. We are working on something new here at PhotoWILD Magazine and Podcast, and excited to share a sneak peak inside!

Geoffroy’s tamarins, four species of kingfishers, toucans, iguanas, and snail kites galore, the second half of our trip spent several days with some truly spectacular wildlife photography opportunities in the interior of Panama.

Dispatchers from Panama. This years’ Wildlife of Panama workshop was a success. From shining honeycreepers to red-billed tropicbirds, white-faced capuchin monkeys to strawberry poison dart frogs, the first leg of the trip was concentrated along the Caribbean islands of Panama’s north coast where the landscape is dripping with biological diversity.

Photographing wildlife in fog can be one of the most challenging situation we come across in the field. But understanding the nature of fog and what it is necessary to overcome those challenges offers wildlife photographers unparalleled opportunities to create something magical.

As wildlife photographers, every day in the field presents its own grocery list of challenges for us to overcome. All too often, we find ourselves shying away from these challenges, opting instead for the easy low hanging fruit. But it's only when we embrace these challenges, when we embrace the suck, that we find ourselves being forced out of our tired and well worn ruts and begin to grow as artists and photographers.

Wherever there are oak trees, there are usually bears. Across the eastern deciduous forests of North America, black bears have a deep connection with these trees. However, to a black bear, not all oak species are created equally. If you want to find and photograph black bears across the eastern half of North America this fall, then understanding black bears association with these trees will set you up for success.

A bear's sense of smell is unmatched by any other animal in the world. Everything about their biology is fine tuned for this superpower. As wildlife photographers, understanding the importance of smell for other animals can make or break our ability to fill memory cards. If you want to be able to step into nature and find and photograph animals, especially mammals on their terms, then it's time to understand the importance of smell.

Working from blinds or hides is often a crucial component to wildlife photography, especially when photographing sensitive situations like this resplendent quetzal’s nesting cavity.