Recent travel took me away for several weeks so our garden had some warmer days to recuperate from the six inches of snow we received a few weeks ago. We lost a lot of succulents, damaged our palms and many tropical plants died that usually do well in more desert climates.
I retreated to the house and thought how bizarre that was. Usually they come around when they see me a s I regularly clean and refresh their food supply but this one almost seemed aggressive.
An hour later I went outside again and there it was. Hidden among the branches and Meyer Lemonfruits … it’s a miracle I even saw it!
And check out how perfectly round it is and the awesome way sheknit the bottom with fibers, broken twigs and plant materials around the branch so it doesn’t fall off! I was so elated I almost screamed but there she was again doing a bomb dive from the sky so I retreated once again.
I have been carefully peeking through the blinds, not using the outside door or allowing the dogs to frequent that area since seeing the nest.
After watching for several hours I realized she was gone to eat – check out JJ Meyer’s link below as its full of behavioral education – so I took a step ladder and here’s what I found!
The nest is probably a 3” circumference. The eggs are the size of a gourmetjelly bean (you can tell I like those). Beautiful, simply beautiful.
Yesterday it rained continuously. That mom did a really great job of burying the nest under leaves but I watched as the rain continued to hit her head for hours. I seriously got so upset thinking if there was something I could or should do. When I couldn’t stand it anymore I went outside with a light covering in an attempt to place it up a few branch levels and protect her somehow. She’d have none of that so I once again retreated remembering scripture that has helped keep me grounded for most of my adult life from Matthew Chapter 6:
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
There’s no doubt this life is full of challenges, people and situations that can uproot us, but where is our faith. What is the “point of reference” outside ourselves, our guiding beacon?
This mom encouraged me so much to remain stedfast on the tasks at hand, wavering not and believing for the best no matter the circumstances. A little bird with such a huge heart. Everything I’ve read tells how hard these birds work to just stay alive and that most eggs don’t survive. I pray these do and will provide an update as the births should occur within two to four weeks. Be encouraged. And don’t forget to look up!
Hummingbird NectarRecipe Directions for making safe hummingbird food: Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water and bring to a boil to kill any bacteria or mold present. Cool and fill feeder. Change the food at least every three to five days with a new batch to keep it fresh. Remember don’t use food coloring.
BE SURE TO Check the bird feeder regularly. Every time you change the food to see if any gray mold has formed inside the feeder base, or, any ants have crawled inside to get at the sugar water.
If you see any take the feeder down and throw the bird food away. It’s not good for the birds to drink this. Chances are they won’t drink it anyway.
Clean the hummingbird feeder by rinsing with warm water. Then, put a few drops of bleach into the water inside the feeder and clean with a bottle brush.Once cleaned, rinse thoroughly with fresh water and let dry.Fill up with new food and place outside.The birds will love you for it!
Commercial hummingbird feeders, both bottle and saucer types, are designed with red parts to attract the notice of hummingbirds. Never add red food color to sugar water, and never use commercial mixes that have red dyes. Nectar in flowers is clear, and red food coloring may be harmful for hummingbirds.
Never use honey to make hummingbird food –when honey is diluted with water, bacteria and fungus thrive in it. Table sugar is perfect
LINKS of Importance: Please read before buying supplies or providing food for birds.
http://www.wildbirdshop.com/Birding/humfeed.html
http://jjthebackyardbirder.blogspot.com/ J.J. Meyer – an acknowledged bird lover who lives and writes in south Orange County. You’ll love her blogs!