Yesterday I was so taken with her--watching her wiggle to settle on the eggs, hearing her zip off for a few minutes at a time, seeing her constant vigilance, even her eye blink--that I sketched her while I watched. And I couldn't help but marvel at her life. 
I've known for a while that hummingbird females are the sole nest builder, incubator and caregiver of the young, but the impact of that knowledge is even greater when you see such a tiny bird actually in the midst of these labors. Yesterday I saw her bring materials to add to her nest on one of those quick flights away. And if the cam should be down, there are wonderful clips to watch, like Phoebe harrassing her juveniles of a previous year, trying to entice them to fledge. And another one that shows her laying an egg!
Phoebe's eggs are due to hatch anytime now. Historically they have begun hatching at day 17 and this is day 14. Don't miss seeing her upclose at: http://cam.dellwo.com/
She is a real treat!
Jan 20th update: Both of Phoebe's eggs hatched January 19th, one before daylight, the other later during a very stormy day. When you view the cam now, you get the added treat of seeing tiny newly hatched nestlings during the brief times she leaves the nest!
Thank you thank you thank you!!! This is the BEST show ever :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the link and your beautiful sketches! It's amazing to me that there are birds incubating right now, but I guess it's probably a bit warmer in Orange County than here in the Pacific Northwest!
ReplyDeleteYou have captured the essence of our beautiful little Phoebe.
ReplyDeleteEngaging studies of the hummingbird!
ReplyDeleteOh Vickie how wonderful, what a marvel of nature to get to view. I am going to share this about with some interested friends~ Phoebe, I gave that name to a French Toulouse Goose once. They were Phoebe and Reif. Thank you for introducing us to her~
ReplyDeleteVickie, this is just wonderful. Pam alerted me to this post. I am so happy she did. I enjoyed the painting, the photos, and the videos. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
ReplyDeleteJudy
I guess you know two have hatched!
ReplyDeleteYes, Mary! It is so special to see them so tiny and to see her tend to them!
ReplyDeleteThis is sooooo cool Vickie. Thanks for turning us on to it! I can't wait until I have a day off to watch the show! Right now it is to work in the dark and come home in the dark but Saturday is right around the corner and I can check it out in the daylight.
ReplyDeleteI did look at some of their video footage from previous nestings and they are wonderful too.
Wow! Beautiful watercolors! I really enjoyed the video link! Can't wait to look at tomorrow during the day!
ReplyDeleteI can see her little personality is these :) very well done. Jai77
ReplyDeleteVickie, your watercolors are beautiful! Quite a talent you have there.
ReplyDeleteYour art is so beautiful and I love reading your blog - I have given you and award so stop on over and get it!
ReplyDeleteHey these are beautiful thank you for posting.
ReplyDelete'Peanut5' from phoebe-cam fan
Beautiful Vickie!
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