Peggy Dover

By this time in your life, you surely know that the reason hummingbirds hum is because they don’t know the words. But did you know they can beat their wings between 50-200 times per second to make the hum happen? They’re the smallest birds and the only ones that can maneuver in all directions mid-flight.

Lately, I’ve been studying hummingbirds. According to a recent article in The Oregonian, our state contains only seven varieties, though there are over 300 in the Western Hemisphere. They are miraculous little masters of flight and survival, and I’m fascinated by these iridescent puffs of aerial wizardry. They appear incredibly vulnerable, yet they frequent my feeders each day — surviving chilly nights and beastly hot days. I’m keenly aware of them lately because of something that happened the other day.

While walking along a pathway next to the kitchen side of my house, I was buzzed by an Anna’s hummingbird — the only species that remains in our valley year-round. I’m used to being warned when encroaching on their feeder territory, but I was not near it. I wondered if there might be a nest nearby. I turned around, and there at eye level, in its architectural perfection, was the tiniest nest I’d ever seen securely fashioned into the crook of some nandina branches. It’s about the size of a large walnut.

I was so excited and realized right off that I could easily become far too invested in this tiny, wonderful creature and her babies. I had to admonish myself not to try to “help” her do a job she’s fully equipped to handle. However, I did clean and freshen up the nearby feeder, suggested she put her feet up, and asked if she craved any particular bug. I’m trying to resist naming her Wilma.

She has many predators, and even though her sweet little eggs — probably two — are the size of a small jelly bean, a rascally jay or crow in search of a mid-morning snack would make quick work of them if they were aware of her.

She will not receive help from the responsible male. Hummingbirds do not mate for life. We have something in common. Once the fertilization is accomplished, the male moves on to other females. Truth is, she would probably encourage his exit because of his bright colors possibly attracting predators. Mama hummer will do all the work of incubating the eggs, leaving the nest briefly for frequent preening and food breaks. The eggs will need to be kept at about 96 degrees, and she will faithfully guard and warm them for 15 to 18 days.

After the eggs hatch, the chicks can’t even stand on their own two feet. She will feed them sword swallower-style — regurgitating bugs and nectar into their beaks for about two weeks before they grow pin feathers. Another two weeks and they’ll provide a literal definition of empty-nester.

Would they hatch? Would they survive the next few weeks? Would I? I would watch for predatory birds, praying mantis (yes, they will eat a hummingbird) and spiders. I would go toe-to-toe with a spider for her.

There’s another short adventure on my horizon, and I hate leaving her. She’s undoubtedly thinking “just go already,” since I keep staring in wonder out my kitchen window at her where she is visible through the shrubbery. She may be tired of a big face suddenly and repeatedly looming up out of nowhere.

I have instructed the maintenance crew not to walk, blow or sneeze along that side of the house, and have placed boxes at both ends of the walkway as a reminder. These guys already know I’m a little whacko with my spider-saving and dandelion-growing ways. But I bake them placations in the fall.

A couple tips about feeding hummers: Colorful flowers attract them; they see more colors than we do. Artificial coloring in the feeder nectar can be harmful. Just plain old sugar water works fine at a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. Clean feeders frequently, like every couple of days, especially in hot weather, as sugar water goes rancid.

Hummingbirds are heavenly messengers of love, joy and good fortune. I’m grateful she’s chosen my home. Stay tuned.