“Patience Rewarded” - by Dave Galegor

Just outside our front door, a Lady’s Slipper plant bursts into bloom—its nectar irresistible to hummingbirds and tiny songbirds alike. Among its frequent visitors was a little gray bird, believed to be a Lucy’s Warbler, that darted back and forth across the street, landing for only a heartbeat before taking off again.

After watching this dance several times, I grabbed my camera and waited. Finally, the bird paused in perfect light, framed by the rich orange blossoms. To capture the moment, I had to stretch and twist into an awkward yoga-like pose, steadying my breath so as not to startle it. The reward was this single, fleeting moment—when patience, light, and nature all aligned.

Captured with an OM System OM-1 Mark II and M.Zuiko 40–150mm f/2.8 PRO lens.
(btw: this is my first contest, so sorry if I got any of the rules wrong)