The Wonders of Nature

The Wonders of Nature

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Last week I discovered a Hummingbird’s nest in our backyard. From the look of it, it had been there for a number of weeks. Well built, round, dense, sturdy and secure the tiny nest was carefully wedged in the Y shape of our small Magnolia tree branches, covered and camouflaged with a canopy of large, curved, waxy leaves. Since the discovery, I have become a woman obsessed. I can now tell you anything you might want to know about Hummingbirds. And I can give you a play by play of this mama bird’s behaviors and daily routine. But most of all, I can tell you that I have become deeply attached to this particular nest. It’s our nest now. It’s in our yard. It’s our responsibility. What else can I say but I guess it brings out the mama bird in me.

Not sure at the time what stage the nest was in, I rented a lens for the weekend anyway, just in case. Low and behold, things were further along than I realized. After careful observation through a long lens perched on a tripod I have seen two baby birds emerging, beaks to the sky and I have watched as a very fierce mama (she’s not too keen about being watched) diligently do her best job of feeding, nurturing and protecting them. And because I don’t want to disrupt her motherly rhythm, I keep my distance. I wait. I watch. I am quiet. I am still. I am patient. I am careful. I am aware.  And with of all that, I’m really glad I rented that lens.

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You know that feeling when you don’t want to miss a thing? I’ve got that. I’m committed to seeing this thing through and if I can, documenting it. With each day that begins and ends with safe and sound baby birds, I am reminded that life is nothing short of a miracle. You know exactly what I mean, don’t you? I thought so.

 

7 Comments
  • Chris
    Posted at 23:33h, 13 April Reply

    I heart hummers. I’ve gotten very attached to mine. I can’t wait to see more of your new found love. 🙂

  • kerrypeterson
    Posted at 08:40h, 14 April Reply

    Love this…can’t wait for the next beautiful installment. Blessings on you little birds, and thank you for renting that lens, Tracey!

  • Holly
    Posted at 13:42h, 14 April Reply

    I love to watch the progression of any family. Birds just speed things up a little so you can see how a family grows and matures in the span of a summer.
    I willl look forward to more posts on this little group.

  • Shawn
    Posted at 17:42h, 14 April Reply

    Watching nature can be both fascinating, beautiful, wondrous and horrible all in such short spans of time. We have had two bluebirds nest in our boxes and it is a wonder of an experience to see life through such fragile wings. I’m so envious you have a hummingbird nest and am thrilled you had the foresight to rent a lens! I can’t wait to see more pictures…
    Yes once a mother I think always a mother your post was just lovely…

  • Another Bird Story | Tracey Clark
    Posted at 12:22h, 26 May Reply

    […] year, about this time, I was enjoying keeping tabs on a hummingbird nest in our backyard. It became a highlight of my season for so many reasons. Although once the babies […]

  • Shawna
    Posted at 06:32h, 08 July Reply

    So cool! We have hummingbirds at my mom’s but have never managed to spot a nest.
    I’m also wondering what font you used on those images? It’s super-cute!

    • Tracey
      Posted at 21:44h, 08 July Reply

      Thanks Shawna, not sure what the font is called but I did it on PicMonkey.com. Love that site! : )

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