My Balcony Birds: Baby Hummingbirds!
The birds that visit my “yard” are some of the highlights of living where I live. I’m in an apartment in a busy place, with lots of pavement and buildings. But my apartment has a lot of trees and bushes around the property. My specific location is right next to a corner with lots of trees and bushes, trying to have a little bit of nature in this busy place!
While I have the regular gathering of House Finches and Lesser Goldfinches that visit when I put seed out, I also have some adorable Dark-eyed Juncos who have little kid birds nearby and bring them over for snacks when they are big enough. These “yard birds” (maybe “balcony birds” is more appropriate…) are so fun to watch.
The very best thing about my “balcony birds” is the hummingbirds that nest in the trees right off my patio. I have been lucky enough to spot a nest or two, but the very best part (in my opinion) is when they fledge and hop out onto a nearby branch. They squeak and squirm, test their wings and tiny feet… sometimes they try to catch little bugs, and something they miss! It’s so fun to watch.
That little squeak is something I listen for and look forward to every spring. As soon as I notice the hummingbirds becoming more territorial, more birds showing up at the feeder, I know it is time to start watching and listening. It takes a nestling about two weeks to fledge, or come out of the nest, so not much time goes by! Eventually, a squeak will come from the tree right there, and I’ll do my best to spot a new fluffy bird!
Enjoy some photos of these little babies! Watch your trees for these tiny birds, and in spring, listen for a little repetitive squeak and you might spot a baby hummingbird!
Hummingbird parents have a unique way of feeding their young. They use their long, slender bills to collect nectar and insects, which they mix with saliva to create a nutritious and energy-rich liquid. This liquid is then regurgitated into the babies' mouths. It can look almost violent when they are feeding, as they move so very fast and stick that long bill into the mouth of the baby!
