It took less than a second to capture this tiny hummingbird last summer sipping a delightful taste of nector from that flower. However, what you don’t see, are the several shots over and over again for well over thirty minutes that have lots of flowers and not a single bit of hummingbird feather anywhere to be seen. Before I could move my finger on the button, the little fellow had flittered away, again and again, out of my range, teasing my camera and my patience.
It would have been VERY easy to quit. In fact, I was SO close to walking away. I knew I was keeping John waiting, there was so much more to be seen at the gardens where we were, celebrating our anniversary. He was being so kind and patient, and I shouldn’t have been taking advantage of that. I kept saying, “Just ONE more try…just ONE more time…If I don’t get it THIS time I’ll QUIT…” But then I would try again. I couldn’t seem to help myself.
Over and over.
And then there he was. Captured on film.
I won’t pretend it’s a great shot. It’s just a lesson on persistence. I keep finding myself looking at it over and over again when I get discouraged. When I feel like giving up. It’s a reminder.
Sometimes you CAN catch a hummingbird.
