The arrival of a new hummingbird nest, particularly one as delicate as Anna’s hummingbird’s, is a cause for wonder. This account chronicles the intimate and often challenging journey of these tiny birds through multiple nesting seasons, highlighting their remarkable resilience and the harsh realities of nature. From the meticulous construction of a nest no larger than an espresso cup, anchored by spider silk and lined with soft fur, to the precarious first flights of fledglings, this is a story of survival against the odds.
The First Nesting Season: Hope and Loss
The initial nesting season observed began with the completion of an intricate nest, followed by the incubation of two small eggs. Approximately 18 days later, the first signs of life emerged as the mother hummingbird regurgitated a vital slurry of nectar and protein-rich insects to her newly hatched young. These nestlings, initially naked and blind, relied entirely on their mother for warmth and sustenance. Their innate instincts were evident even at this early stage, as they managed to keep their nest clean by expelling waste over the edge.
Within days, the nestlings began to develop feathers, and their mother’s presence on the nest lessened during the day, indicating their growing ability to regulate their own body temperature. The feeding process was a marvel of precision, with the mother bird acting like a focused dispenser, delivering food directly into her offspring’s gaping mouths. The journey to fledging, which typically spans 18 to 28 days, was fraught with challenges. Despite enduring rainstorms, wind, and even hail, the young hummingbirds showed incredible fortitude.
The critical moment arrived around Day 24 or 25 when the fledglings began to venture out of the nest and onto surrounding branches. Their departure from the nest, a crucial step towards independence, was observed after meticulous preening, preparing them for life on the wing. Post-fledging, the mother continued to feed them for about a week, after which they were expected to be self-sufficient, though siblings might remain together until autumn.
A Second Nesting Season: The Harsh Impact of Weather
Two years later, a new nesting season commenced in the same shrub. This time, however, the environmental conditions presented a significant challenge. An unusually cold and wet early spring meant a scarcity of insects, the primary source of protein essential for the nestlings’ development. The mother bird spent more time away from the nest searching for food, raising concerns about the adequate nourishment of her young.
While initially believed to be two hatchlings, closer observation and photographic evidence suggested that only one actively received food, raising fears of a potential loss. Subsequent investigation confirmed the heartbreaking reality: one of the two babies had likely died due to a lack of protein, a direct consequence of the adverse weather conditions. The author reflects on the harshness of nature, emphasizing the critical role of native plants in providing a more stable insect population compared to non-native species. The solitary surviving chick faced the remainder of its incubation period alone, enduring the cold and waiting for the day it would be strong enough to fledge. Sadly, the nest was later inspected, and the deceased sibling was found, a somber reminder of the fragility of life in the wild.
A Third Nesting Season: Early Beginnings and Lingering Concerns
The following year, a new nest was discovered in a neighbor’s magnolia tree, an early start attributed to mild winter weather. The nest, conveniently located for observation, held two gleaming white eggs. However, the return of cold, wintry conditions, with temperatures dipping into the 20s at night, posed a threat to the developing embryos and the mother bird. Despite the harsh weather, the mother demonstrated resilience, utilizing torpor to conserve heat.
As temperatures slightly improved, one of the eggs hatched. However, the persistent cold and the scarcity of insects once again raised concerns about adequate protein intake. By Day 3, the nestlings were being fed, but the mother’s extended absences from the nest, coupled with the weather, heightened anxieties. Tragically, by March 1st, it became evident that one of the babies had died, mirroring the previous year’s loss. The surviving chick, though facing a difficult start, continued to grow, with its eyes opening around Day 14 or 15.
Despite ongoing cold spells and storms, the chick persisted. By Day 23, although a typical fledging age, it was evident that this chick, due to its challenging beginning, would require more time in the nest. The nestling endured hail and rain, highlighting its vulnerability without the shelter that older birds might seek. The author held onto hope for warmer weather and the chick’s eventual flight.
A Final Tragic Loss and a Glimmer of Hope
On March 25th, the author’s deepest fears were realized as the surviving chick was found deceased in the nest. Believed to have succumbed during a particularly harsh night of cold rain and hail, the chick’s short life was marked by adversity. While the exact cause remains uncertain, the high rate of nest mortality in hummingbirds is acknowledged. The tiny body was buried with a sprig of red-flowering currant flowers, a poignant tribute to its brief existence.
Two months later, a glimmer of hope emerged with the observation of a post-fledging feeding event. A lone hummer, potentially the survivor of a recent nesting, was being fed by its mother in a fig tree. This resilient chick, though possibly having lost a sibling, appeared strong and healthy, a testament to the enduring cycle of life. The author notes the presence of another Anna’s hummingbird nest in a neighbor’s yard, possibly belonging to the same mother, continuing her efforts to raise healthy offspring. This ongoing observation underscores the remarkable tenacity and cyclical nature of these fascinating birds.
