beguiled

A few years ago I had the privilege of visiting Ecuador.

One of the delights was staying in an eco-lodge within the rain forest. Around the edge of the lodge were hung feeders filled with sugared water to which Hummingbirds of a seemingly infinite variety came to feed. I could have watched them for hours on end; not only for their antics of incredible mobility and speed but because of their plumage.

Their feathers turned from sooty black to iridescent colours of metallic that flickered and changed as the bird moved. The colours were from every strand of the rainbow. I was completely beguiled.

Last week I made a new friend. He wandered around me as I took photographs. He was contented and amicable. In the bright winter sunshine I noticed that same iridescence in his feathering. Beautiful.

Click to enlarge.