I took this picture just a few short minutes before both babies flew for the first time. I had hoped to see it happen, and actually, the boys and I did get to see that magical moment. I only wish it hadn't been because I scared them off!
I had gone outside to water my very wilted strawberry plant, and after only a few steps onto the patio, they both let out a "Chirp" and flew off. And "flew" is a bit of an exaggeration; they sort of fluttered to the ground. I was really worried that I had messed things up since I think they probably would have stuck around a day or two longer until their wings were stronger.
Not to mention poor Honey. I felt so terrible for her when she came back to her nest a few minutes later and her nest was empty! I wondered what went through her poor little bird brain. She perched on the side and looked down into the nest. After poking around in it a bit (maybe she thought they were hiding in it somewhere?), she lifted off and hovered around the nest, looking on either side. Then she broadened her view by flying to the perimeters of the patio and looked all around. Finally, she came right up to the patio door and looked inside.
In the words of Max, "That is very sad!"
But things seem to have turned out all right after all. I've seem them fly around our yard a few times since then, and a few days ago, we were at our neighbors' house down the street and happened to look out in time to see a dear little hummingbird feasting on a pretty flower right outside the window. I guess I can't be totally sure, but I'm pretty confident it was one of the babies.
So now we have an empty nest and a whole lot of poop to clean up.
Yeah, gross, right?
Apparently baby hummingbirds come out trained not to poop in the nest, and so they lift their little bottoms over the side and shoot it out. Max was the only one of us to have seen this in action. "Look Mommy, poop just flew out da nest!"
But I don't mind. What's a little poop in exchange for watching a miracle take place right outside my window? I am astounded at God's delicate design. That He would weave such a tiny little creature into the tapestry of the universe speaks volumes to me about His tender and intricate touch. And if He put so much thought into the little hummingbirds, how much more did He think of you and me when He made us?
"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31).
Our Father loves us. And I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to see His creation from another perspective.
A look back at Tiny and Don during the short 3 weeks they lived with us...
And just so you know how small the nest was, (and the inhabitants inside!):
So long, little feathered friends! We are glad you came to stay!
1 comment:
Your family provided a good home for Honey and her babies. I hope Honey will return next year. :)
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