Hummingbird moments

With beach access cut off by the closure of the park, I walked instead along the freeway feeling put out to be forced to this route. I longed for the beach on this beautiful night.

I caught the flicker first and then the whirring sound. Gentling my energy, I stepped quietly back against the chain link fence. The vibration of the hummingbird hovering above me sent a shiver up my back.

Over the past few weeks hummingbirds have been showing up to me. The first time while I was on a video call, my attention caught as one flitted outside the window, gone as soon as I registered it. I had not seen hummingbirds in our yard before that nor have I since. It’s presence pulled me to joy and wonder.

Subsequently I started noticing hummingbirds in different places, from flower bushes on the way to the market to illustrations in facebook posts.  When this happens, it's good to pay attention. I did.

And then walking beside the freeway this beauty called to and lingered with me as the sun set. I sent out a gentle message asking permission to take her picture. And she alighted on the wire above my head.

Hummingbirds speak to us about perseverance and flexibility. They are tiny and light, yet migrate great distances. They can fly forward and backwards, modelling flexibility. In this case, also, I was drawn into patience as I waited quietly and joyfully.

I am aware I would have missed this moment had I actually been on the beach.

​Thank you hummingbird.