There’s an abandoned hummingbird nest in the giant fuchsia out front. Cupped inside, a pearlescent egg that never hatched.
I swallow hard whenever I see it, remind myself, “It’s nature’s way.” But for a brief moment yesterday, I thought about pruning the branch that holds it in place. Out of sight, out of mind? Hardly. But I thought it might clear the space for possibilities.
But then again, our Thanksgiving guests might enjoy seeing this architectural wonder, equal parts spider silk and cottony magic. No longer camouflaged by leaves and flowers, It bears silent witness to the hatchlings it once housed, and to the fledglings who took to the skies during last year’s nesting season.
Left to the elements, the nest will eventually disintegrate. More likely, the fluff ‘n stuff will be recycled by mama hummingbirds-to-be. Like this one, who was sipping nectar in our backyard at sunrise.
Nesting season is almost upon us again–maybe as soon as next week, if we’re lucky!
I was walking to my car at work yesterday. I saw a squirrel sitting in an old bird’s nest. After he had moved on I was able to peek inside. Full of peanuts and acorns. Nature has been showing us how to repurpose before Pinterest and Facebook showed us pallet bed frames. Your nest’s fluff will make new nests. The unhatched egg will fall and nourish the soil. Your feeders will make for strong hummer mamas. Our hope will be replenished.