naming contest

Hope’s hatchling gets a name

At around 23 days after hatching, a baby hummingbird fledges, never again to return to its nest. Given how attached I'd grown to this tiny miracle, I decided we should grace Hope's hatchling with a suitable name–a talisman of goodwill that would carry it through the skies. And so it was that I announced a naming contest last Friday, on this blog.

Each of the submitted names was beautiful in its own way…all of them, befitting such a beautiful creature. Danny Boy, Samara, Faith, Emerald, Flitterbaby, Flit, Jewel, Whimsy…

My neighbor-friend Sara helped me choose the winning entry.

She decorated a basket, filled with colorful plumage. Each paper feather represented one of the contest entries.

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Sara decided we should choose the hatchling's name at the base of the tree where Hope had built her nest. And so, we did.

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She closed her eyes and drew a name from the basket.

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Samara it is! And after reading Barb Etlin's explanation, I think that name is perfect!

Samara, a Hebrew and Latin female name. The Latin name means "helicopter seed of an elm or maple tree," which reminds me of the helicopter-like wing beating of a hummingbird. The Hebrew meaning is "guardian, protected by God, or night talk." ~Barb Etlin

As contest winner, Barb will receive a copy of Hummingbirds: Facts and Folklore from the Americas. Many thanks to author Jeanette Larson, who donated a copy of this beautiful book as a prize.

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But wait, we're not finished here, yet!

As you no doubt know, little girls reserve the right to mull things over, alter course or change their mind. All of the above, whenever.

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Two people submitted Faith as a possibility: Margaret Buffie and Charline Profiri. Turns out, Sara loved it, too. So much so, that she decided it should be Samara's middle name!
And so it is.

Meet Samara Faith. Isn't she (or he) a beauty?

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Day 22. On my next blog (posted later today)–Samara Faith fledges!

Missed the previous posts about Hope and her hatchlings? Here you go: Hope's Hatchlings, Part One, Hope's Hatchlings: Part Two, and Hope's Hatchlings: Part Three (and a naming contest).

Hope’s Hatchlings: Part Three (and a naming contest)

James M. Barrie

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Taking the measure of things, from the day we started this journey…

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Day 17. Basking in the afternoon sun. Meanwhile, Hope is sipping nectar from the citrus blossoms, on the other side of my backyard. Do you see the shimmery green, peeking out from the hatchling's folded wings? Before long, he'll be covered with iridescent feathers! He should fledge within a week, plus or minus a couple of days.

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Day 18. The Santa Ana winds are blowing, so the hummingbird hatchling is hunkered down in the nest. So many fewer pinfeathers than yesterday–lots of fluffy feathers in their place! Fun fact: The nest is built, in part, of extremely strong, very stretchy spider silk, so the nest expands as the nestling grows. When it appears to be outgrowing the nest, it's almost ready to fledge.

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Day 19. Check out those wings!! It's as if they sprouted overnight. The sun was warm & bright this afternoon, which made picture-taking a bit of a challenge. It blanketed the hatchling's back, radiating light, and before long, those dark little peepers drifted shut.

NAMING CONTEST! Hope's hatchling will likely fledge next Tuesday,  23 days after breaking free of its shell. With that in mind, I'm hosting a naming contest.

Naming Contest Rules:

1) Drop your entry into the comments section, below. Alternatively, leave your suggestion on the link I post to my Facebook page.
2)  All entries must be received by 11:00 a.m. (Pacific) on Sunday, 3/16
3)  My neighbor-friend Sara will help me select the winning entry
4)  In the event of duplicate submissions, we will draw the winner's name from a hat (metaphorically speaking).
5)  I'll announce the hatchlings name on Monday, 3/17.
6) The prize? Amazing! Author Jeanette Larson is donating a copy of her beautiful book, HUMMINGBIRDS: Facts and Folklore from the Americas, to the winner. Exquisite illustrations, fun and informative text…this is one of those books that quickly assumes a prominent position on your bookshelf or coffee table.

At some point early next week, the hummingbird hatchling will wing its way into the world, graced with a befitting name. I'll post more pictures in the meantime. Stay tuned…

Missed the previous posts about Hope and her hatchlings? Here you go: Hope's Hatchlings, Part One and Hope's Hatchlings: Part Two.