Dear Monique — We have a tiny hummingbird’s nest in our backyard with two babies that hatched a few weeks ago. We haven’t seen the mother for at least two days and are afraid she might have died. Should we bring the nest to Native Animal Rescue? — Concerned
Dear Concerned — I’m glad you asked this question. You may help us teach our friends and neighbors to not “over-rescue” baby hummingbirds.
In June, on two different occasions, people brought nests to NAR containing two baby hummingbirds. In both cases, the people said they had been watching the nest for a few weeks and hadn’t seen the mom feeding or sitting on the nest for the past day or two.
In both cases, the babies looked well taken care of, proof that the mother hummingbird was around. We explained that mother hummingbirds feed their babies quickly and secretly to prevent predators from finding the nest. In fact, they intentionally feed quite a distance away from the nest to protect their babies. We also explained that once the babies are fully feathered, the mother doesn’t need to sit on the nest any more to keep them warm.
Both parties discovered that the mother birds were indeed around, and both successfully reunited the moms with their babies by securing the nests with babies back where they had been.
It’s heartwarming to hear stories of concern and care for our feathered friends like the tiny hummingbird family in your backyard. Understanding their behavior and habits is crucial, as misinterpreting their actions could inadvertently harm these delicate creatures. If you ever come across a similar situation, before taking any action, remember to be patient and observe from a distance to see if the mother is still around, diligently looking after her babies.
The wonders of bird watching allow us to witness these extraordinary behaviors firsthand, deepening our appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. And if you feel like you are intrested to learn more about the intricate world of birdwatching, visit learnbirdwatching.com and discover a wealth of knowledge to enhance your birdwatching experiences. By staying informed and attentive, we can all play a part in ensuring the well-being of our avian friends and contribute to their continued presence in our lives.
Unless you find the mother bird dead, please call NAR before bringing in a nest of babies to discuss the situation. We can help you!
