Yesterday afternoon, Phoebe’s eggs were threatened by a lizard. She dive-bombed and chased it away, and then removed the non-viable egg (lizard lure?) that cracked open three days ago but never completely hatched. Through the miracle of Phoebecam, the site host snagged this footage:
Sadly, Phoebe abandoned the nest before nightfall. From what I’ve gathered, it’s very likely the other egg was damaged in the scuffle. Naturally, I’m sad about this latest tragedy, as are the thousands of people worldwide who’ve tracked two ultimately unsuccessful broods. Still, I consider it an honor to have observed this tiny mother’s valiant efforts — in desperate circumstances, she shielded her young, risking her own life in the process. I’m grateful for that privilege, for what I’ve learned about Mother Nature from this mama hummingbird. And like so many others, I’m hoping Phoebe will have a healthy clutch before nesting season ends.
♥ Phoebe ♥
Amazing footage! What a miracle. Sorry to hear about the sad ending this time around. Phoebe’s so beautiful!
It *is* amazing, isn’t it? Before the lizard appears on screen, you hear Phoebe’s wings flapping like turbo-speed propeller blades. She was obviously battling the lizard even then.
And I agree with you…Phoebe’s a beautiful creature. Mother Nature can sometimes seem cruel, but then again, our (human) perspectives are somewhat limited. I have to keep reminding myself of that.
Oh, it’s all such a struggle, isn’t it? I’m rooting for Phoebe!
You’re so right, Tracy. Each life is a complicated struggle; we–all of us–are icons of hard-won battles.
I’m cheering for Phoebe, too!
Awww. Phoebe’s gorgeous. And so fast! I hope she manages to have another clutch.
It’s my understanding that about 40% of a mama hummingbird’s eggs eventually fledge. That’s a very low survival rate, isn’t it? Probably the reason they have so many clutches each spring. It’s still early in the season, so like you, I’m hoping we’ll see another set of eggs again soon.
Oh no 🙁 That video is amazing, however. My kids and I watched it a few dozen times. They were mesmerized!
Sad, isn’t it? Still, I think it’s great that you watched it with your kids…a rare glimpse at a non-Disneyfied version of Mother Nature.
Re: thank you
I cried, too. How can you not be affected when you see one of God’s tiniest creatures endure such struggles? Puts our own hardships into perspective.
*Sending out good vibes for Mama Phoebe*
Wow!
Phoebe is one kickass momma. I’m sad that her heroics didn’t lead to a happy ending for this clutch, but I am praying for success for this Super Mom soon! 🙂
Re: Wow!
She’s a wonderment, isn’t she? We can all take lessons from this tiny, intrepid creature. I was inspired, that’s for sure.
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