I've had the wonderful experience of watching a hummingbird fly right by me and go to the feeder that was about four or so feet from me in my backyard. And I really do mean that; I was filled with wonder and awe when I saw this magnificent little creature. Here are some of the things that really stand out to me about hummingbirds.
1. Their speed.
This one's a bit obvious, but hummingbirds are among the quickest creatures I've ever witnessed. They're at the feeder one minute, then you glance away and they're gone! And I find it fascinating that even our eyes can't fully comprehend how fast their wings flutter.
2. Their balance.
Their tiny bodies are held up by two even tinier legs, which makes me wonder how they regulate their steadiness. And watching them perch on the feeder and stick their beaks in and out without falling off is amazing. They even flap their wings and move their tails just enough to keep them from tumbling backwards after they take a sip.
3. Their grace.
Again, these birds are super fast and have great balance, but who would guess that the two of those went hand in hand with agility and grace? If you've ever seen a hummingbird in action, you'll know exactly what I mean. There's something so peaceful about them that just draws me to them.
4. Their precision.
Hummingbirds have such long and slender beaks, which they have stunning control over. As I've watched them speed over to the feeder, there has never been a time where they have been clumsy and look like they're going to hit their beaks on the plastic part of the feeder or fall off of the perches. Even when they leave the feeder, they often look like they're falling for half a second, but then they zoom off looking like they're floating on air.
5. Their personalities
One of my personal favorite things to do while watching the hummingbirds just a few feet away is to really notice the kinds of personalities they all have. And trust me, they all have very unique ones. One of the hummingbirds will come up to the feeder and never relax enough to actually perch while it's taking a sip, and it will go to every spout before leaving. Another sits on top of the hook for the feeder and sticks out its very long tongue a few times before snacking. And another will sit on the perch and, my personal favorite, will just kind of look all around and looks pretty derpy before sipping. One time when the liquid in the feeder was really cold, I could've sworn it was having a brain freeze, but it turns out that's just who it is.
These amazing creatures have really captured my fancy, and I enjoy watching them more and more every day. When I get to photograph them is probably my favorite, since they move so fast and sporadically, it's usually very hard to capture their essence very well. Hummingbirds are so tiny and graceful and precise, and I'm so very glad that I've been able to observe them right outside my window, and even while I'm outside just a few feet away!
