These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Are ya tired of my hummingbird stories yet?

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The hummingbirds are astounding me and making me laugh out loud at times. It started yesterday.

Late yesterday Lola was sitting on the trunk, looking out the front window to the deck. One of the hummingbirds flew over just a few inches from the window and hovered directly in front of her face. Her ears perked up, and they sat watching each other for a few seconds. Then Lola tilted her head to the right, and the hummer moved a couple inches to the right! When Lola leveled her head, the bird flew back in front of her! They repeated this again, then the bird flew off. Lola looked over her shoulder at me as if to way, "MOM! Make it come back!!"

A few minutes after that I went out and watched the birds as they swarmed the feeders. They were so unafraid of me that I could barely believe it. I was able to stand a couple feet from the feeders while they simply flitted around almost as if I weren't there, other than to stop and look at me occasionally. I was delighted to see them so close up. I can't remember if I already said this, but they have landed momentarily on my hands while I have been filling the feeders. Trust me, they don't stay, but I can feel the little feet touch gently and so quickly that if I weren't watching, I might not have even noticed!

This morning I went out to refill the feeders. One was completely empty, so I filled it while being watched by several of them at close range, no more than a foot or 18 inches away. Then I moved to another feeder, and I moved my face up to the feeder to see if any nectar was left. There was still a little bit in the bottom of the feeder, and I was wondering about whether to dump and refill new or leave it and come back in a half hour or so. One little bird came and hovered right next to the feeder, just looking at me! My face and his tiny body must have been just 3-5 inches apart! I froze in place, and we just stared at each other a few seconds, then he lit on the perch around the feeder and proceeded to feed with seemingly no concern about me or my proximity to him!

I stood like that, as still as I could, for 30-60 seconds, just enthralled with the wonder of what was happening. To be that close, so close that I was looking almost cross-eyed at this amazing little creature, was an unforgettable experience. I think I held my breath, for fear of scaring him away. I am so blessed to have the experiences of these teeny critters visiting me for the summer.

Ahhhh. I like cooler weather, but for these little beauties, I'll endure the summer heat any time! (Not that it s exactly hot here, but I love temps in the 40s, 50s and 60s best.)

Actually it is a fairly cool day. It was in the low 70s earlier, and I've just had a small rain shower, dropping the temp to 69°. I'm actually having a cup of hot tea, and I'm so inspired by the comfortable temperature that I am soaking butterbeans and preparing a roast for dinner! It's all about comfort today, I guess.
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11 comments:

  1. That is so cool that they are hanging out at your house and allowing you to get close to them. How many times each day are you having to fill the feeders? Thank goodness hummingbird food is easy and cheap to make.

    And no, I will never get tired of hearing your hummingbird adventures.

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  2. i love hummingbird stories. keep them coming! especially when the hummingbirds interact with the dogs. that is sooo cool.

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  3. It still amazes me that they will let me be so close. I'm filling the feeders 1-2 times each day! Hungry little buggers! I'm glad the stories are still good!

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  4. What an extremely cool experience. I love hearing about them.

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  5. No! I'm not tired of your hummingbird stories! They are fascinating little creatures and yours are so brave!! Mine won't come anywhere near the feeder if I'm too close. Even from inside the house at the kitchen window I can't get too close while taking pictures or they flit away! I have noticed a steady stream of them lately though instead of just breakfast, lunch and dinner. You are so lucky!!

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  6. (M)ary, I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw Lola an the bird!

    MJ, yes, it was!

    Deb, have you tried just staying in the window for a while? I think they get comfortable with our presence, and then they stick around. It used to be that if I walked out the door they scattered and stayed away a while, but now they seem to accept me as part of the scenery.

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  7. I love the hummingbird stories too. They are amazing little creatures enjoy them as much as you. That is so neat about Lola and the bird I wonder why it wasnt scared of her.

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  8. Bobbie, I wonder about that, too. And I wonder why the bird came the extra 10-12 feet under the deck cover to the window. Brave little thing!

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  9. How can anyone ever tire of hummingbird stories?

    :-)

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  10. Well, Betsy, I certainly don't, but everyone has different tastes! They are fascinating creatures, aren't they?

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  11. I'm sad that the males will be migrating soon. They're still here, but not for long. The hummers are an important part of my summer, too.

    Hugs,
    Betty

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!