When does the smallest bird create the biggest stir? Well, maybe all the time! We love tiny birds. They are amazing to see and to watch. Hummingbirds are always met with excitement and gratefulness as they return from the south each spring. I absolutely love our hummingbird feeder, which hangs right outside of my kitchen window. As I write this, I’ve realized that it’s May 8th and I should get some nectar ready for the feeder and put it out. Here is my favorite recipe for making my own Hummingbird nectar: Audubon.org
Burgess’ Scene of Hummer, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird
It’s the same in the Old Orchard, as Peter comes to find out. Hummer creates a stir and in Thornton W. Burgess’ The Burgess Bird Book for Children, the stir is a result of Chatterer the Red Squirrel. If you don’t know Chatterer that is really too bad! He’s a part of Burgess’ animal forest and is a feature of The Burgess Animal Book for Children, which details North American mammals. Chatterer was trying to rob a nest and it just happened to be Hummer, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s nest. It turns out that Hummer was very good at frightening Chatterer away! Speaking of, you should really see a Hummingbird nest: allaboutbirds.org
How Hummingbirds Drink Nectar
Hummingbirds dart between flowers to drink the nectar found within them. In order to do this efficiently and effectively for their size and speed, they hover buzzily over the flowers. You can find hummingbird feeders that have little perches for Hummingbirds to sit and drink from. It’s amazing to see them sit still and enjoy the nectar!
Our Gathering of Hummer, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Until next time, go make some Hummingbird nectar! <3 Kate
For more check out The Burgess Bird Coloring & Writing Pages and The Burgess Birds in Detail.
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