Nesting comfortably

That little bird has chosen his shelter.  Above it are the stars and the
deep heaven of worlds.  Yet he is rocking himself to sleep without
caring for tomorrow’s lodging, calmly clinging to his little twig,
and leaving God to think for him.
Martin Luther

First thing every morning, I run to the window to see if mama hummingbird’s still incubating her eggs. As you can see, they still haven’t hatched.*

I’m awe-struck by the craftsmanship and materials she used to build this tiny home. With spider silk, downy feathers and lichen, she created a cushion for the eggs. Then she wove a tapestry of spider silk, to tie the nest to the branch.

 

Mama Bird is small but mighty — whenever I venture near, she zips around like a fighter jet, dive-bombing and clicking her disapproval. But as soon as I retreat with my ladder, she settles peacefully onto her nest.

 

Could it be that my curiousity is too distressing for her? I took a field trip to Wild Birds Unlimited. A hummingbird expert told me not to worry. “If she’s upset with you, she’ll get all up in your face and tell you so," he said, "but nothing will keep her away from her babies.” He did suggest, however, that I hold back once the hatchlings are about 8-9 days old. If I startle them, they might try to fly from the nest too soon.

 

I’m relieved. I don’t approach her nest every day, but I can’t seem to stay away.

 

*Hummingbirds incubate for 12-14 days. I discovered this nest on February 8th, so I’m guessing the eggs should hatch sometime very soon. I’ll post a picture when that happens, if Mama Bird lets me get close enough to get a good shot.
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47 Comments

  6. omigosh. That is so precious. And I am glad to hear that a little peeking won’t run Mama away. Thanks for sharing this Melodye. I’ve always wondered.

    • I’ve only snapped a few pictures, but I worried each time she left the nest. I’m so glad to know that she doesn’t mind sharing, as long as I keep my visits short.

    • Like a down comforter, isn’t it?

      My heart is smiling…It makes me so happy to know that you and yours are sharing this wonderful adventure with us. Thank you for telling me. xo

      • Yes indeed!! 😀
        We’ve been amused to find bits of Dan’s beard and wool from the sheep in barn swallow nests… but a hummer nest is a whole different order of cool. Great photos!

  11. Just don’t go outside wearing red. Heard the hummingbirds will attack red. It’s still to cold for the birds to even think about nesting and laying eggs.I have had mocking birds to hatch in one of our trees. The mom was very protective also. Just keep us posted and don’t wear red while on that ladder. :0)

    • LOL — I hadn’t thought of that, but I can see how red might be a little too provocative, all things considered. Ah, thank you, PapaDan, for that important bit of fashion advice! 🙂

  12. Oh that is too cool! I found a hummingbird nest in my tangerine tree as well! And you’re right, those mama hummingbirds are tiny but ferocious!!! I didn’t realize the incubation period was 12-14 days. I can’t wait to see tiny hummingbird babies!!! I totally understand the near compulsion to just look and see every day!!!

  13. These are gorgeous pictures!!

    Some friends had a pair of mourning doves make a nest on their kitchen windowsill once, and it was fascinating to watch the progress every day.

    Enjoy your orange blossoms!

    • Oh, I love mourning doves. They are so romantic — I love seeing them cuddling up next to each other and cooing on our back fence. I’ve never seen their nests, though. That’d be a special treat.

      • They’re cool, actually. The mom and dad spend equal time sitting on the nest (two eggs at a time, although they can have more than one batch per season). They feed them on something called crop milk once they hatch until they’re old enough to eat regular food.

        I love the equal child care thing!

  15. I thought of you and your wee nest today while putting on this sparkly hummingbird pin my mother gave me. I can’t wait to see the bitty babies…12-14 days! Whoa nelly, that’s fast.

    Then again, they ARE hummingbirds. 😉

    • You have a hummingbird pen? That’s really cool! I love jewelry pins*, but for some reason, I never seem able to pull it off. Where do you put your brooch, and does it distract you when you see it out of the corner of your eye?

      *Other than flag pins, which are talismans of something for which they weren’t originally intended (in my opinion, she hastens to add).

  16. Great photos Melodye! Their nests are amazing aren’t they? I agree about keeping your visits to a minimum, especially once the babies hatch. Have you thought about investing in a telephoto lens for your camera?

    • I’m glad you liked the pictures, Sharon.

      This photo was taken with a telephoto lens. Still, the nest is hidden in the high branches, so you have to get somewhat close.

      (Concerned friend that I am, I have to ask: Are you limiting the time you’re up and about?)

      • Thank you for being a concerned friend, but the bed rest doesn’t seem to be doing much good, as the knee began to swell again over the weekend and is very sore.

        The book arrived yesterday! I want to thank you again for your generosity.

  17. DId I tell you that one year I had a nest in the wreath on my FRONT DOOR!?!??!? Yep. Coolest thing. But every time the door opened, birdies would fly.

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