Today I had a once in a lifetime experience with a hummingbird...or at least it felt that way!

I was walking outside, and as I neared a flowery bush, I saw a hummingbird hovering and feeding on the tiny pink flowers. I was so close to it (just over an arms-length away) that I thought it was going to fly away. However, the hummingbird continued feeding as though I wasn't there.

I quickly stopped and stood very still, watching the little guy do his (or perhaps her) thing. I was so close that I could see the blur of the wings flapping. Every so often, the little guy would stop to land on a branch of the bush for a rest, and then he would look at me and let out a little chirp. Once he even stopped to clean his beak and I could see his little tongue flick out a couple times.

At one point, the hummingbird flew within about 2 inches of my arm and hovered there for a brief second...I almost thought he might land on me...but then he returned to his flowers.

At no point did the little guy ever show any fear or concern about me being so close...of course he had no reason to be...but it was nice to think that he trusted me.

Eventually, he had his fill of that particular bush, and he moved on to another one not far away. I followed him and continued watching. To my amazement, he still did not fly away. At one point, he even flew closer to me again...just within a few inches of my arm. Finally, he flew off.

Hummingbirds...one of nature's little miracles...and I had the honor of such a private, intimate audience. It was an awesome experience...a reminder of all that's good in the world...a moment I won't easily forget!