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  Filler Up, Please  

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Uploaded: 03/09/10 1:25 AM GMT
Filler Up, Please
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Well, two weeks had gone by and I was so excited to revisit the Hummer nest. So when I got to the location I immediately set up my tripod and lens. When I was finally able to look through the view finder, the nest was empty! No mom, no nothing! So I thought, she must be away. I waited and waited and still no activity. She had never left the next for more than a couple of minutes. I started thinking, what bonehead disturbed the nest? Some photogs will do anything to get a shot including disturbing the surrounding area to get close enough. Before they realize what they have done, the damage is done and the parent will not return. As far as I knew, I was the only one that knew of the nest. I made sure to keep my distance as the mother and I had come to an agreement as to what was an allowable distance. She would come and go as she pleased and I was allowed to watch and click. I would never stay too long so as not to be a distraction. I was about to leave, saddened, with the plight of the nest. Suddenly, I thought that I noticed some movement in the nest. I pointed my lens at the nest and low and behold, where there was nothing, there were two chicks. I guess that they had been down in the cup of the nest. My next thought was, Damn! Only two weeks ago the mother was sitting on eggs and now there are two half grown chicks in the nest. I was only gone two weeks (1 weekend). Things were happening fast. I went on my way with a plan to check the nest one more time on my way out. An hour had past before I got back to the nest. I set my camera up to see what was happening. Suddenly, mom had arrived back. I thought to myself, cool, I can capture her sitting on the nest with the chicks. This time when I looked through the viewfinder, low and behold, she was hosing down the chicks. This is what I got.

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::0930_23
03/09/10 2:13 AM GMT
This is my favorite of yours Garrett. The clarity and the composition of the scene interacting with all that action is amazing. A perfect 10 and they might as well put it in the perms now. This is professional stuff.
I like your Mickey Spillane style of narrative as well.
Great post.

TicK

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Hopefully my photos and stories will let you know what makes me Tick
::egggray
03/09/10 2:38 AM GMT
WOW, WOW, WOW, I am amazed at the quality of this photo. This is a fantastic nature photo that should be sent to a magazine. This is your best, by far. I wish I could have been there with you, it was worth the wait. Faved and saved. I like the other 2 you posted also. Congrats on all your photos on the front page. I want your lens.
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If you wish to purchase framed photos, prints or greeting cards of my work please visit my website .http://www.redbubble.com/people/ziggy7
::billyoneshot
03/09/10 7:03 AM GMT
I seen this one in the vb earlier and knew it was yours. I gave it the 10 it deserved. I really like this priceless scene of yours.
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Billy
.muki7
03/09/10 4:29 PM GMT
This is one excellent capture of the Hummer and chicks Garrett. Shot like a pro my friend. 10+

Ed
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Enjoy nature, Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints
::SR21
03/09/10 4:36 PM GMT
OUTSTANDING!!! Garrett this is superb wish I could give it more than a 10! Very well done my friend!! :) Steve
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.gizmo1
03/09/10 6:14 PM GMT
Wow my friend this is truly outstanding you are a ace at wild life photography.The colours and sharpness are blow-away well done. Plus thank you very much for sharing.
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.gonedigital
03/10/10 12:08 AM GMT
So pleased to read everything was okay, & the nest hadn't been disturbed. Nice work Garrett.
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::allisontaylor
03/10/10 4:32 AM GMT
They are so beautiful! Striking details and colors. I so enjoy reading the progress of the chicks and the tension of wait and see in your narrative. Fantastic work!! Saved.
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.JQ
03/10/10 8:21 AM GMT
awesome awesome shot! perfect!
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::prashanth
03/10/10 11:29 AM GMT
This is just too good. I have never seen a hummingbird feed its chicks. You are incredibally lucky to get this shot. Very well captured.
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If "Ignorance is bliss", then why should we seek knowledge?
::susanlynn
03/10/10 3:06 PM GMT
What a marvelous capture Garrett - it is just perfect and makes me think of spring. Thank You for sharing.
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Life is a Constant Audition
.rotcivski
03/10/10 9:46 PM GMT
Garrett, this is another beautiful shot.

Vic
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::verenabloo
03/11/10 12:23 AM GMT
Oh Garrett!...How totally magnificent!!!!!!!!!! I am soooo happy you checked on them, and that you got the absolutely MOST fantastic photo I have EVER seen of baby hummers...and their mom feeding them. You really should send this is to a great magazine to publish!
People deserve to see this photo! I am so proud of you and your patience and kindness in taking these photos. I can only imagine how tiny those little baby chicks are, since the Mam is so small in herself even! And look at the nest, what it's made of! You just took an awesome photo. My little granddaughter loves hummingbirds and she even did a report for school about them. She is 8 and I am going to make a copy and give her this wonderful photo, well all of them. I love also the way you told about how it all went, having to do with the birdies...Thank you a million times and bigtime congrats and bravos on your photos!!!! Verena
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Love is always bestowed as a gift -- freely, willingly, and without expectation.... We don't love to be loved; we love to love. ~ Leo Buscaglia
.Logun7
03/11/10 6:40 PM GMT
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I agree with Ticks comment 100%!! This is truly a 10 and in fact this was the only shot in the VB today that got a 10 from me:)) I am thrilled to see something like this..and the shot is superb:))
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every day is a gift......that's why it's called the present!!
mornalera
03/12/10 12:37 AM GMT
oooooohhhhh. Too precious for words!!!!!
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.Catharina1
03/13/10 8:43 AM GMT
Fantastic animal photography! A gift from you to us : )! Mich
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.icedancer
03/13/10 9:39 PM GMT
Wow Garrett, love this close up of the hummies, love them
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.427cobraAC
03/17/10 12:25 AM GMT
Thank you for sharing this with us, I couldn't agree more with Gregg. I enjoyed your image discription too and appreciated it. Its a shame what some people do absent mindedly while trying to get a good Nature Shot. I hope you submit this to the 2010 NWF Wildlife Contest.
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And the Lord said "Go Sox"
::tealeaves
03/20/10 2:29 AM GMT
I have been waiting for this, Garrett!! Awesome composition, and the details and colours are superb!! I so enjoyed your narrative... just goes to show that being patient usually pays off! Thank you so much for sharing :) Faved.
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*Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. ~Scott Adams*
.Lynthirteen
03/27/10 12:20 AM GMT
WOW!!! That is some capture!! Love it. You were so lucky to be able to photography mother and babies. Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful capture with us. Lyn.
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A photograph is a memory in the raw. I will always treasure mine.
.HanneK
03/30/10 1:59 AM GMT
Fantastic! This is indeed a rare image and I also believe it should be published somewhere! It is rare enough to find a hummer nest, but to catch a picture of Mom feeding the little ones is beyond words! WOW!!
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.jdinvictoria
07/18/10 1:41 AM GMT
Just one word: STUNNING!!!!
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.Paul_Gerritsen
08/25/10 8:28 PM GMT
What a story! An amazing tale and amazing shot!
Congrats!
Paul
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If you can't find the words, you may as well shoot it...

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