Years in the stalking, the hummingbird is finally caught

Ever since the backyard was converted from a swimming pool into a California plantscape, I have been visited regularly by hummingbirds. I have heard the almost deafening hum of their wings as they hovered just a foot above my head. Looking out the window of my home office I have observed them hopping from bloom to bloom in the late morning sun. And for years I have failed to capture a photo of one in flight. They are skittish, to put it mildly. They normally zip away as soon as I emerge onto the deck.

This afternoon I decided to station myself in the middle of the yard, nearest to their favorite flowerbed. I then stood perfectly still for about 20 minutes and waited for them to return.  Although I wasn't as close as I would have liked, this is the best I've managed in 3 years of trying:

For the rest, go here: http://photos.buberel.org/p313827114/