Gord,
I actually had the privilege of witnessing something very similar about 5 years ago on a Colorado elk hunt.
I was sitting on the ground in my Ghillie suit on a steep hillside overlooking the junction of two trails. All of a sudden I heard a whir that sounded like a B52 coming in to land on me, and managed not to jump as a Rufus hummingbird came in. It was larger that the ruby throated version I was used to seeing at home, but just as attracted to color.
I had my bow laying across my lap, with an arrow on the string and 4 in my bow quiver. Each arrow had a bright red fluorescent nock. I sat amazed as the hummer flew in between my bowstring and chest, delicately sampling the groove of my nocked arrow as if it were a flower. It then hovered, moved over a couple feet, and tested each and every nock of my arrows in the quiver.
I saw no elk that day, but had one of the more memorable hunting experiences of my life. It was a blessing to be there, and a sight I will never forget! Glad to hear you were able to experience something like it, as well. Thanks for the story.
Daryl