A Hummer – A Scare ~~

This morning, looking out my kitchen window, I noticed a hummingbird just siting in the water on our little fountain. I thought that was odd but went about my business. A few minutes later I looked again and noticed it had changed position but was still just sitting there, not moving. Now, I’ve seen hummers around that fountain every day for the past four years but never had I seen one just sit there. They come, they bathe, flap their wings, hover, and leave quickly. That was unusual behavior… So I grabbed my camera and went to another window where I could see it closer. Careful not to scare it, I shot a few pictures and noticed its eyes were open. I made some noises but that didn’t seem to bother the little one. Then I saw it sip some water. Phew! It was well, just enjoying a quiet moment!

But when I looked again from the kitchen window, I thought it was too quiet. That’s when I decided to go outside and check up close. 

To my surprise, it didn’t move when I approached the fountain. Its eyes were closed and stayed that way even as I walked around.

When I moved closer, it opened its eyes briefly, then closed them again. I snapped a few pictures, careful not to frighten it. It didn’t even blink.

I didn’t know what to think, what to do… Was this precious little creature dying? Just the thought made me feel miserable. Then I heard the buzzing sound of another hummer coming towards the fountain. But it changed course as soon as it detected my presence. I decided to go back inside leaving the area free of humans. I looked out the window and saw that it came back, hovered around the fountain for a few seconds, and left. Soon after that, the lethargic hummer flew away slowly. What a relief!

I’ll never know what was happening to that hummer. Perhaps it was sick, or maybe just tired. Or, was it a pregnant female in labor? Maybe the water gave her some relief? And the other hummer was her partner saying “it’s OK honey, the nest is ready, you can come now.”

Oh, well, I really know nothing about birds, I just love them and hope that little one is alive and well.