On Statia, things often seem to stand still. People wait, plans drift, projects take their time. Goats stretch out in the middle of the road as if time itself has stopped.

And then suddenly: hummingbirds zip past, flashing colors that shift with the light. Green, blue, red – tiny jewels in constant motion. Up to 80 wingbeats per second, hovering, flying backwards, even sideways. Things the wider world, and certainly this island, would never attempt. Their nests are barely the size of a thimble, yet cleverly woven from spider silk and fluff. Where we stir sugar into coffee, they live on nectar and sugar water.

While the island masters the art of sitting still, this photogenic little bird shows that endless motion is a way of life too. Because every self-respecting tourist has captured at least a few of these dazzling fast flyers in helicopter mode.