srsincary Loc: Cary, NC

I don't have a hummingbird feeder yet; still contemplating where to put it (Newton's law of inertia runs deep in my veins on such matters ). Without a feeder to lure them, hummingbird BIFs are quite challenging for me since they barely spend a second or two around random flowers in the yard. But one day, I found this juvi Ruby-throated hummingbird sitting in a holly tree in my yard and fired off a few shots. Among the good captures, there was this shot where the bird seemed to "speak to the photographer", so sharing.

On a whim, I sent ChatGPT a request to write a poem on what the hummer 'said to me.' Its generated poem seemed to capture the essence of why we take pictures of people. While I am not an English major, my estimation is that a talented high school freshman could have written this poem. So we are (hopefully) not about to be assimilated by The AI ... ".

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User
Write a poem starting with the line "wait, I haven't said 'cheese' yet"

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ChatGPT
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Wait, I haven't said 'cheese' yet,
Let me flash a smile, without regret.
Gathered with loved ones, a memory to set,
Forever frozen in time, never to forget.

Click goes the camera, a moment in space,
A snapshot of happiness, a smile on my face.
A day filled with laughter, a warm embrace,
A memory to cherish, no one can replace.

Cheese, the word that brings us together,
A simple phrase, but it means so much better.
It captures the joy, the love and the laughter,
A moment in time, that will last forever.

So let us smile, and say 'cheese' with glee,
And capture the moments, for us to see.
A picture perfect memory, for you and for me,
One that we will treasure, for eternity.


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(Download)

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

A poet and photographer, Ronnie! So many talents.

srsincary Loc: Cary, NC

Thank you, Mike. But the poet was the AI. I merely 'prodded' it to unleash its creativity ...

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Not bad at all! Great photo.

srsincary Loc: Cary, NC

Thank you Barbara (for the comment on the photo).

Assuming that the 'not bad at all' feedback was for ChatGPT's poem, I asked the AI what it felt about your feedback. It responded "'Not bad at all' generally indicates a positive sentiment about the poem. It suggests that the person found the poem to be good or even better than expected. It's always encouraging to receive positive feedback on creative works, as it shows that your efforts are appreciated. ...." I think the AI is also telling you 'thank you.'

srsincary Loc: Cary, NC

Here are a couple of more photographs of the juvi hummer, trying to say 'cheese.'.

(Download)


(Download)

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

First of all Ronnie it's a great capture. When you place your feeder consider the following. Hummers get used to people easily so set the feeder to be convenient for you, use a chair. Feeder should be at eye level as you sit. The background should be pleasing to you. Provide foliage free perches which allow you to get shots of sitting birds without including.

srsincary Loc: Cary, NC

Thanks, Jack, for the advise. I am visiting friends in Maryland who have multiple feeders with great success (they are viewers, not photographers). I even heard that the hummers come close to them, especially if they wear bright clothes! Red is a winner, apparently. Unfortunately, I gave away all my red T-shirts once I reached social security full retirement age, so I need to go shopping again.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

First time in my life I've seen a hummingbird's claw, so thank you 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

srsincary Loc: Cary, NC

Joe, that is great to hear. While its a claw, its no talon!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Well, that's a hummer pose I have never before seen. Excellent.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Ha, ha! That is terrific, Ronnie!

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Excellent capture.

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Wow...very impressive!

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Fantastic image!!!