I recently went home for the first time since May 2010, more than a year since I’d last been there. I can’t tell you how good it was, to briefly be in my parents’ house and a part of their daily lives once more. To see my family, feel their love, and all of my lovely friends, people with whom even if you haven’t spoken in months, you pick right up where you left off…these are the things to cherish in life. I am blessed.

While I was there, I spent a good bit of time in fascination with all of the crazy hummingbirds in our backyard. I mean, if you’ve never just sat down and watched hummingbirds interact, I highly recommend it, as they never cease to entertain.

My trip was a lot like a hummingbird, here I was fluttering rapidly to here and there, seemingly always eating and never quite stopping–only to photograph the birds.

I would classify the difficulty level in photographing hummingbirds right up there with, or surpassing, photographing gymnasts. It’s hard! They are so tiny and move so fast; you have to be extremely patient and have sharp eyes. All of the following photographs were taken completely manually, including manual focus. (I always shoot on manual settings, but auto focus is indeed my friend.) I invite you to ponder these tiny little wonders:

 

For the last photo, of the red neck reigning over the other birds, I can’t seem to decide which crop I like best. Thoughts?

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**This phlog is dedicated to my parents, whose diligence in feeding these tiny beasts allowed me the opportunity to get some really unique photos. I love you both so very much!