Surprised I haven't uploaded this before now...

About 5 years ago when I was still living with my dad there was this hummingbird that was always sitting on a branch in the large tree behind the deck. I decided to come outside and watch him for a while. I had some thinking I needed to do. After watching for al ittle while, I noticed him, chasing the hummingbirds off that came too close,m it looked to be hard work. I immediately understood. This was his feeder now, his territory... thats why he hung around so much.

He was skeptical at first when I had exited the house, but after an hour or so of me simply watching him, he cautioned a sip from the feeder. It was was adorable how he would stop drinking after a second to be sure I wasnt coming for him. After a while he paid me no mind, like I was simply a part of the scenery, even though I was practically staring at him as I watched him fiercely guarding his territory. Once the latest wave of would-be drinkers ebbed for a while he got in close again to drink, and I decided to put pencil to paper. It was musing how curious he was now, apparently, curiosity makes them a bit braver, for he wasnt even paying much mind to the feeder, he was simply watching me, just as I was watching him.

I sat for quite a long time just scribbling him out, taking my time... I had all the time in the world... or at least until dark. It was late afternoon when I finished this. The most memorable part of the entire experience however is that just as I set my pencil down. The little bird began hovering, and cautiously inching closer, as if he wanted to see what it was I was working on.

I froze, I didnt want to scare him away. as he flitted slightly to the left and right, his gaze trained on myself and the page for a full twenty seconds after which time, he gave a small chirp and zipped off to wherever his next destination might be. Was he examining my work...?

I told my dad, he thinks I was exaggerating but man... I dont think I have or ever will complete a piece quite like this one, or have an experience as I did back then.

That little guys chirp of approval made me smile the rest of the night, and his curious courage was a little more than a little admirable.

So far there hasnt been a piece I've ever worked on that I could say is better than this one.... and this was 5 years ago...

Le Sigh...