We came from here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/966081/
This is a photo from the 6th, and one of the last pics I have of both of them together
I found another hummingbird nest part 3 - time to fly!
As I mentioned on the previous thread (okay, I shouted it with delight ;-)), the babies fledged today. I am so incredibly relieved that they made it off okay, given the nest's location, overenthusiastic gardeners etc. When I approached the nest today, I immediately noticed something was different...this is what I found:
There was no sign of the other baby, and the nest was empty…
The baby was just hanging out on a nearby branch...
He/she seemed a bit sleepy...
blink, blink..
Look at that lil cute fuzz-butt…I showed a friend these pics, and she said it looked like the baby was sitting on cotton balls LOL
I had a really hard time with lighting today, especially at important times...this was a big drag. Here's a less than ideal shot of mom feeding the baby. She didn't even try and poop on my head this time. Go figure ;-).
Pretty soon, baby started to become more active...
baby started in on a massive preening/stretching/flapping session....
more preening...
This was somewhere between a stretch and a flap...
I seem to recall this one was a "flap" ;-)
I am going to attempt to post some short video clips on here...I just joined photobucket to post these videos, hopefully I won't mess this up too badly ;-)
Baby scratching: http://s618.photobucket.com/albums/tt261/quique_2009/?action=view¤t=099.flv
Look at this cute little tongue: http://s618.photobucket.com/albums/tt261/quique_2009/?action=view¤t=094.flv
Whew! All that activity sure works up an appetite! "Hey MOM, where's the grub?"
Edited to add: oops, wrong photo...here's a link to the correct one http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=6388142
This message was edited Apr 9, 2009 2:06 PM
Here she is!
Yum, yum!
More!
That's some good stuff right there :-)
wow Sunny great videos! thank you soooo much for letting us watch this incredible nature ^_^
Here is one last pic of baby, looking all big and grown up. The light was really bad after this, and I couldn't get my camera to focus. I did take a few videos....
Here is what happened next...I am just so thrilled I got to witness this:
Here is a very brief video of some test flapping: http://s618.photobucket.com/albums/tt261/quique_2009/?action=view¤t=169.flv
LIFTOFF...YIPEEEEE!!!: http://s618.photobucket.com/albums/tt261/quique_2009/?action=view¤t=170.flv
After liftoff, the baby flew around in the bushes (warning, motion sickness-inducing video clip LOL): http://s618.photobucket.com/albums/tt261/quique_2009/?action=view¤t=171.flv
And then hung out in different areas in the bushes. I left at this point, as I didn't want to hinder any further flying with my presence.
This is where I said "goodbye"
Thanks Anjl...and thanks for letting me know you can view the videos :-)
How totally cool is that! I think that it is so awesome that mom keeps feeding until the last chick has fledged. The birds in my garden don't. OMG thanks everso sunnyg for sharing every second of this!
What a great chronicle you've shared with us, Sunny! Thanks so much - now go find another nest! LOL
No kiddin KaperC! Get busy SunnyG! Seriously SunnyG this has been a wonderful experience for me. I'm on a migratory route so never get to see them nest. Thanks again so much for sharing this.
I agree Sunny..thank you for taking us all on this hummer adventure with you! With your wonderful narrative and beautiful photos I felt like I was right there next to you watching. Absolutely wonderful!!!!!!
Thanks a bundle for sharing your super experience with us. I would love to have the opportunity you have had more than once! Keep your hat on since you have two extra poopers in the sky now!
LMOA @ Shelia_FW ^_^ Gooder ^_^
Too funny! It sounds like I'd better go on another little nest hunt....while wearing a large hat ;-).
Observing and recording these nests has been so incredibly wonderful, and being able to share it with all of you has made it all the more special. Thank you!
Awe, the video clips are so cute! I loved watching the little darling 'practicing' flight! As others have said, thanks again for sharing these moments with us. I found myself getting teary at the end of this one; thinking of you having protecting them from harm of the landscaping crew, then to see them through to the bitter sweet moment of fledging. It's so neat Sunny. ;-)
OMG Sunny! I LOVED your videos. How lucky you are to catch it on camera!! How sweeeeet! How about that?? I love it! Congrats, momma-hummer :D
Videos are great! Thanks for sharing.
You should get the nest and do a yard art with it. Put it in a colorful pot or tea cup on the fence etc. I don't believe she would make back in the same nest would she?
Some hummers do rehab nests - not sure which ones.
Speaking of nests, I just read that black-chinned hummers build expandable nests that can grow with the babies. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-chinned_Hummingbird.html
That is a pretty cool fact indeed!
I'm so glad you all enjoyed the videos! I must admit I've watched the "liftoff" one numerous times, and get a little misty eyed when he/she takes off. I realize I posted the wrong pic above, in the "Whew! All that activity sure works up an appetite! "Hey MOM, where's the grub?" post. Below is the correct photo...what a little piggy :-)
I'm pretty sure the nest is going to get trimmed off when the gardeners trim the hedge. It's right out front and very exposed. I've thought about taking the nest, but I'd need to get some good clippers, because I'd need to take a bit of the limb it's on due to how it's built. It's also not on my property, although the people I've met next door seem didn't seem to mind me hanging out over there. I'm considering going out there next Tuesday and bugging the gardeners yet again, but I might just leave well enough alone. I'm not sure yet...
very neat indeed, thanks for the link!
I've only seen a black-chinned once a week or so ago, but hoping we will see more.