It's twins!In my last post two weeks ago I showed you our new backyard resident: a hummingbird that built a nest in the ivy growing around our back door. Well, today we have two more! Today I spotted mama bird feeding her two young ones. A very exciting event, because I was afraid the bird had flown. I guess as a working mother, the mom needed to run some errands from time to time!
Hummingbirds are already very small, but these babies are really tiny! The photos make them seem much larger than they really are. With the naked eye you can barely see the beaks peeking over the edge of the nest.
It is interesting to see Mama Bird perched on the edge of the nest, feeding the young birds. Maternal instincts tell her how to take care of them. The little beaks are wide open for her, ready to take in whatever nourishment she brings them. Nature is a beautiful thing!
Mama Bird is also an excellent builder, because her nest stayed firmly in place through several strong gusts of wind. The babies are real troopers, having to sit in a wildly moving nest! At least the weather has been beautiful these last few days. I'm sure they are warm and cozy together, especially when Mama Bird comes back to join them.
I don't know how much longer how long they will grace us with their company, but we'll enjoy it while it lasts. Meanwhile, I'm keeping my camera close at hand to record any new developments!
-ai
all images © Anna Irwin | do not use without permission
