Hummingbird of Paradise

During a break from sporadic showers on Nov. 15, 2023, I stood at my office desk surveying the street while studying. A bird of paradise, situated just outside the window, attracted a hummingbird seeking nectar.

Over the course of an hour, I made numerous attempts to nab a good shot of the hummer, which repeatedly flew off. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra shutter is plenty fast enough for the task. But movement, like lifting the smartphone, scared off the little bird. So I don’t have a full-feather shot or fluttering about.

The Featured Image—taken through the window glass—is as good as I got. You can disagree, but the hidden visitor appeals to me. Vitals: f/4.9, ISO 50, 1/140 sec, 230mm (film equivalent); 11:54 a.m. PST. Composed as captured.