For the past twelve years, I’ve looked forward to seeing “my”
hummingbirds up-close-and-personal each and every day. How up close have they
been? Well, for those who have followed my blog for any length of time, you’ll
probably recall my postings on how mommy hummingbirds feel safe enough to build
their nests right next to my windows so that I get to watch the whole process
of them laying eggs—always two at a time—the attentive mommy keeping the eggs
warm, the eggs hatching, babies growing and eventually flying off to begin
their own lives, though never far from my windows.
When I moved, I was excited to learn that a mommy hummingbird
had taken up residence the previous year on my property as evidenced by her now
vacant nest. I’d see her flitting from flower to flower in my yard and would
smile. Though I usually don’t disturb existing nests, hers from last year had
to be removed, for it was a mere two and a half feet off the ground at one end
of my dog run. No way my dogs would’ve left the nest, mommy and babies alone.
So, I removed the vacant nest back in September, hoping that
the mommy would decide to build this year’s nest again on my property. Much to
my delight, she did, two months later. Then came her laying two tiny eggs. I
was so excited I could hardly stand it, delighted that again I’d get to watch to
wonder of baby hummingbirds hatch out right before my eyes.
All had been going well…until…this past weekend. Mommy
hummingbird was diligent, attending to her unhatched eggs, keeping them just
the right temperature. But then, one morning, I noticed that Mommy hummingbird
hadn’t returned.
At first, I wasn’t too worried, as she would sit on her nest
all night to keep the eggs warm, only to set out once daylight broke and
temperatures began to warm, to get food for herself. But hour after hour
passed. And with each hour punctuated by no Mommy hummingbird, I began to fear
the worst.
Three days have passed now, each night dipping into super
low temperatures. There’s been no sign of Mommy hummingbird to roost on her
eggs. So, I fear, this year won’t be celebrated by the wonderment of baby
hummingbirds hatching out on my property.
So sad….
Hopefully, the unborn babies didn’t suffer too much and
another mommy hummingbird will opt to make my property her home—next nesting
season.
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