small things are sometimes the biggest

while i was walking to work this afternoon.... i walked past what looked like a dead bird on the sidewalk.  my first thought was "ew gross" so i kept walking.  then i thought to myself, well maybe i should move it off the sidewalk.

i went back, and as i looked closer i discovered it was a hummingbird, on it's back, on the sidewalk... convulsing.  it was pretty sad looking.   i figured i should bury it under some loose sod nearby.  i picked up a chestnut leaf, scooped it up and with a lightning fast flap of its wings.... it flipped over, adjusted itself and began staring RIGHT at me.  knowing how elusive these things are, i was honestly overcome with emotion to have one right at my feet, sitting completely still, staring at me with those big, round  inky black eyes.

the seconds which seemed like minutes eventually past.  it cocked its head to one side and was up and gone into the midst of a massive holly tree in half a heartbeat.

i guess that's as close as you get to a "thank you" from a hummingbird. 
it sure made my day.

Comments

[davin]

Hey Matt,

Wow that is quite the story, you don't hear about close encounters with the hummingbird type very often.

I like the shot. Your photography style has completely changed I have noticed. Coooool.

[matty]

how would you say it's changed?
curious.

[Laura]

Wow. That's beautiful, Matty! Their wings are so lightweight, I guess, that it couldn't flip itself over..and then you came along. Moments like that make life worth living.

[Stephanie]

Beautiful - story and picture.

[Davin]

Hey matt, sure I can elaborate. Composition and depth of field are becoming more dramatic now in particular. Also the way you line things up .. which is sort of composition but also use of longer focal lengths. I like!!

PS: I am back downstairs now. Me and Caroline got caught in the storm last night on top of the Claremont ridge and there was no safe way down until this afternoon. craZy weather. Also I got the book you left in front of my door. SH!