Recalling her close encounters with hummers as a child, Shawna encouraged her seven year old daughter, Gail, to stand near the feeders. Shawna describes Gail as "delighted in the exciting sensation of all the birds buzzing so near. Tentatively she held out a finger and then she thrilled as a few different birds landed on it." Gail is pictured above and below.
There were six filled, larger feeders available near by when these photos were taken. Do you think it was the red coat that attracted the hummers to Gail and the small feeder next to her?
Many hours of observation lead me to believe that birds readily discern safety from danger and are far more observant than we sometimes give them credit. I like to think the hummers were attracted to Gail's innocent wonder and the special perch she was offering!
To see a video of Gail's experience visit Hummingbird Experience Inspires Art
Visit this link to see hummingbirds swarming to my feeders ahead of a front in September 2011. To see more blog posts on hummingbirds visit this link.
Click this link to Bird and Blooms to see hummingbirds swarming to nectar feeders in Virginia after hurricane Irene moved through.
What a beautiful post, Vickie :) I would love to have one land on my finger. :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed, this is an enchanting experience that will stay with anyone for life, especially a child. For those interested, a delightful, Audubon endorsed book is available (online only), which has a chapter on how you can train hummers to land on your finger. Dr. Jay Whelan, developer of Dr.JB's Hummingbird Feeder, has stated frequently that this is one of his favorite and most informative books
ReplyDeleteabout hummingbirds. Website: www.hummingbirdsandflowers.net. Enjoy!