Here's the scene: I'm standing at the kitchen sink. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a hummingbird resting on the feeder post. He appeared to be poking his bill through the drain hole, supposedly sucking out nectar.
Yes, I followed through, and made more nectar yesterday. And he came back. Except, with temperatures in the high teens last night, the nectar was frozen solid. I wondered whether there was a trace of liquid at the bottom, or if he used his bill to peck at the ice.
Whatever he did, this little bird is the poster child for resilience. He didn't give up! Either he was doing something that was working, or he was going to continue trying. He stayed on the perch for a long time, long enough for me to take several photos.
After he flew away, I removed the feeder, melted the frozen nectar, and wrapped bubble wrap around the nectar holder. When you are resilient, the Universe pays attention and brings you what you want.
It's almost dinner time for the tiny fella, and I hope he eats to his heart's content.
Hey, Patricia! The bubblewrap was a great idea...did it keep the liquid from freezing very long? I'll have to try it..I just brought my feeder in at night and put it out in the morning for a few hours. The birds came immediately as I was setting it out. It's like they are little Christmas birds.
Posted by: Maria Wilson | December 22, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Maria,
I just learned that the nectar will freeze at 27 below, so yes, it did freeze again. But, I saw some liquid on our deck floor; perhaps there was a bit of a pool at the bottom of the feeder.
What I appreciate most about hummingbirds are their strength and tenacity. They are resourceful and only take what they need. I feel blessed whenever they visit.
~ Patricia
Posted by: Patricia | December 28, 2009 at 11:37 AM