Sometimes even the Hummingbirds need our help

Sometimes even the Hummingbirds need our help

IMG_7948_crp_rs2Due to the increasing late night visits from the bears lately, we have begun a new ritual of bringing in all of our bird feeders each night at sunset.  As I walked out last night to grab the first Hummingbird feeder, I noticed this poor little female Black-Chinned Hummingbird sitting on the ground.  It was already so dark, I nearly stepped on her!  We immediately found a small box and lined it with a towel, and I watched ever so nervously, as my husband carefully picked her up and placed her in the box.  We didn’t know what to do, other than bring her inside and cover her with the towel.  We figured if she was about to perish, she should at least be able to do so in a warm, protected environment – rather than alone and vulnerable in the cold, dark night.

To our surprise, she was still breathing this morning.  We took her outside in the warmth of the sunshine, and placed a bottle cap full of nectar beside her.  Her eyes were closed and feathers still puffed to keep her warm.  My husband dipped his finger in the nectar and gently rubbed her tiny beak a few times.  We sat quietly with her and watched patiently, as she began to come around.

During this observation, a male Black-Chinned Hummer kept coming to hover over our heads, also witnessing her amazing recovery.  Just after I captured this photo, her eyes opened up, her feathers became smooth and tight to her body, her heart rate increased, and she began to look around at her surroundings.  Then, a slight flutter of her wings….and off she flew into the trees!

My heart is filled with joy this morning, knowing we may have helped an innocent little creature continue on her journey here with us at el Rancho.  We may never know if she is truly flourishing out there with all the others, but we will rest assured that she did not die alone in the cold last night 🙂

We will fondly refer to her as “Puff,” and we thank her for the beautiful, dainty feather she left behind for us to always remember her strength and resilience.

2 thoughts on “Sometimes even the Hummingbirds need our help

    1. Actually, yes we see them almost daily. I love them (we bought a feeder so that we can see them more.) They are such beautiful birds.
      I am still living in CA (just moved out of Hollywood a 1 1/2 years ago. I have loved reading about all of your on goings with the photography and moving to a quieter place. I am living vicariously through you!

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