06-21-2024, 02:53 PM
Thanks for starting a Daily for us, Pete.
I have no new photos to share but at least I can start a Daily for us.
Hummingbird update:
I suppose I'm experiencing empty nest syndrome because Mama (I named her Annabel) and her chicks left the nest.
Several days ago my wife saw one of the nestlings take a short flight - just a few feet, and it told me they were almost ready to start a new chapter in their lives. Two days ago all three were gone. But yesterday my wife saw them again near the nest; Mama was feeding them - a very dedicated mother.
In thinking about the two times Anna's hummingbird have nested in the same plant over the past few years, I've noted some interesting differences:
Anna (the first one) seemed to me to be a more experienced mother. First, she chose a less exposed site for the nest. And she always returned to the nest at the end of the day (it sure got crowded).
Annabel's nest was smaller and a lot more exposed, and she didn't spend the night there once the chicks hatched (maybe because the nest was too small). But I suspect she was always nearby. She was every bit the attentive mother.
It has been a privilege to observe the behavior and development of these amazing little creatures, one I am deeply grateful to have had and will never forget.
I have no new photos to share but at least I can start a Daily for us.
Hummingbird update:
I suppose I'm experiencing empty nest syndrome because Mama (I named her Annabel) and her chicks left the nest.
Several days ago my wife saw one of the nestlings take a short flight - just a few feet, and it told me they were almost ready to start a new chapter in their lives. Two days ago all three were gone. But yesterday my wife saw them again near the nest; Mama was feeding them - a very dedicated mother.
In thinking about the two times Anna's hummingbird have nested in the same plant over the past few years, I've noted some interesting differences:
Anna (the first one) seemed to me to be a more experienced mother. First, she chose a less exposed site for the nest. And she always returned to the nest at the end of the day (it sure got crowded).
Annabel's nest was smaller and a lot more exposed, and she didn't spend the night there once the chicks hatched (maybe because the nest was too small). But I suspect she was always nearby. She was every bit the attentive mother.
It has been a privilege to observe the behavior and development of these amazing little creatures, one I am deeply grateful to have had and will never forget.
Don't blame me - I didn't vote for him!
Nikon D7500 with Nikkor 18-300 mm; PSE2021, PSCS5
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