Wordless Wednesday
Wildlife Wednesday
Nature Notes
Update: Unfortunately, soon after I posted these photos, a predator raided the hummingbird's nest. I have theories on why this happened (cold night, deep torpor, a young mum, crows in the area, etc.), but there's really no way to know for sure. It was a sweet experience to see her constructing and guarding her nest--a first for me. I can only hope that she's OK and will be able to have another nest full of eggs to guard soon.
Oh Beth how precious....they say hummers return year after year to the same nesting site....lucky you to be able to see the nest!
ReplyDeleteYes, it has been a joy to watch this little hummingbird construct her nest and then guard her eggs patiently.
DeleteSweet! I've never seen a hummingbird's nest in person. What amazing and pretty little birds they are.
ReplyDeleteThis is a first time for me to see a "live" one. We found a used one a couple of years ago, but this has been a real treat.
DeleteHow wonderful! I've also never seen a hummer's nest, so it's a treat--so nice!
ReplyDeleteYes, it has been a joy ... and a worry. Every time the winds get strong or I don't see her for a while, I worry.
DeleteYou should feel so blessed having this sweet bird in your garden like this. I have only seen one before. I used to offer a bounty to the children if they could guide me to a hummingbird nest. All these years and I haven't seen one in Indiana let alone my garden.
ReplyDeleteYes, it has been a blessing, Lisa. They are such beautiful, graceful, and fragile creatures.
DeleteWhat a great looking nest - looks a bit like a cloud, but sturdy.
ReplyDeleteYes, the HBs are amazing artists and architects when it comes to building their nests. Such fragile little things, though. Sturdy, until a predator finds it.
DeleteIs this at your place? Just being able to see it is lucky! We might have one pair nesting here this year but if so I don't know where. Thank you for sharing this picture!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've never seen one in use before. I'm pretty sure we have other nesting pairs here, too, but I have no idea where the nests are, which is probably a good thing! You're welcome.
DeleteAmazing! Is this at your home? I am so excited for you to watch them.
ReplyDeleteWe have little robins right now. They make me laugh how fluffy the face looks.
Thank you for sharing,
Carla
Hi Carla: Yes, I heard a hummingbird and looked up--that's when I saw her constructing the nest. I observed her from afar for 11 days, until I found the collapsed nest. :(
DeleteHow fascinating - lucky you having this experience! We have quite a few hummingbirds keeping busy on a weigela that's in front of our deck. We never get tired of watching them.
ReplyDeleteThey are so fun to watch, aren't they? We've had quite a few nectaring here and there, and lately they're coming to the feeders more, which is great for getting a good view.
DeleteWhat a great find!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a joy to watch her in the nest while it lasted. I hope she's OK, even though her eggs aren't. :(
DeleteGreat catch and absolutely wonderful photos. A sad end to the nest but that is the way of a heartless nature.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jason. Yes, it was a blessing to witness it all while it lasted. There are many hummingbirds flitting here and there in the garden now, and I'm hoping one of them is the mum, even if her nestlings are lost. :(
DeleteWe had something similar happen to a robin's nest outside our window. Sad to see.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's fun to watch the beauty of it all, but tough to take when tragedy strikes.
DeleteWhat a great find, shame what happened..nature can be hard sometimes.
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
So true, Amanda. Just one of those things. I hope I won't be able to see future nests. Maybe that will mean they're harder for predators to spot, too.
DeleteOh heck! I hope she is ok. They make amazing nests... Michelle
ReplyDeleteThis might sound crazy, but I think I know which one she is, and I think she created another nest in a better place. There are several HBs hanging around this summer, and one is a frequent visitor to the feeders and doesn't seem shy when I'm around.
DeleteI haven't seen as many hummingbirds this year, I hope that will change. I also hope she has gone on to construct a new nest, we need our winged jewels.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed: We need our winged jewels! I think she's OK. In fact, I think I'm seeing her right now out the back window. Of course, there's no way to know for sure without tagging, but I have an intuition that she's OK and has constructed another nest. Several HBs seem to be active in the yard this year, similar to previous years.
DeleteWhat a wonderful experience, Beth. Your photos are stunning. P. x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pam. Yes, it was special being able to watch her. Sad that the nest was destroyed, though. :(
DeleteWhat a wonderful shot, it must be amazing to be able to watch humming birds nesting. How sad that it wasn' t able to raise a family.
ReplyDeleteWe are so blessed to have HB visitors during the growing season. Like so many folks, I miss them when they leave in the late fall and I eagerly anticipate their return in spring. Such beautiful creatures!
DeleteI have never seen a hummingbird nest, though I suspect they are around. Your eyes are sharp to find one! So sorry about the predator! I still remember how sad I felt when something killed a nest of baby bluebirds in my garden, and also the mama, who must have fought valiantly.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb: I heard a hummingbird above me, looked up, and saw the nest. It was in a very open place, and she wasn't shy around me--which makes me think she was a returning HB from last year. I think (based on behavior, lack of shyness, etc.) that the mama is fine and has constructed a new nest. Of course, I can't know for sure.
DeleteYes, nature can be very hard. What a beautiful bird, and nest.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Nature is incredibly beautiful and incredibly brutal. It was a blessing to observe her, but sad to find the destruction. I think she may have started over in a different spot, because I think I'm observing the same HB (among several others) flitting around the garden.
DeleteWow. What a beautiful nest. I am so sorry about your loss. This kind of thing can be really heart breaking.
ReplyDelete