For the 2nd year in a row, my backyard is hosting a nesting hummingbird. This is most delightful and cause for celebration. By celebration, I mean the paparazzi in me is giddy with excitement.
As you may know, my fondness for hummingbirds goes way back — longer than I have been writing about them…or having them tattooed on my body.
While last year, I was surprised to discover that momma hummingbird had built her next around the sagging lights on my back porch which I discovered just as I was setting up for having the house painted.
The little nest of 2021 was tiny. So tiny, in fact, that if it held a shot of espresso, I would be SEVERELY disappointed.
The nest of 2022 is wider with more shallow sides and sits rather low in the tree. Already, I am worrying that something will disturb the nest, causing the eggs to fall and break. I tell my gardener to avoid the area and consider erecting the doggie pen around the tree to keep Kobe from his favorite pee spot.
The reality is that I am probably the biggest hazard. Momma hummingbird is on to me though. She caught me hiding in the nearby bushes with my 200 mm zoom lens. I snapped a few photos before packing it up and will leave her alone to tend to her nest.
Check back in a few weeks.
I think putting a pen around the tree is a great idea. Maybe help to keep any other animals away as well to let momma create. Looking forward to the update!
I am sad to report that the nest was attacked from up above a little over a week ago. Poor momma hummingbird is distraught.