HUMMINGBIRDS: MAGIC IN THE AIR

PBS (channel 13 here in NYC) did a stunning documentary Nature program about the magnificent hummingbird.  The bird's uncanny ability to hover and fly backward make them like no other bird.  They are not just little "jewels" who dart in and out of our lives in moments.  Although elaborate feathers dazzle us with appeal.  Their behavior have experts in the field almost considering them insects -  except that they are birds - because only insects have the ability to hover.  These powerful birds are nature's tinest mammals with wings.  But make no mistake about it they are smart, powerful, feisty and will defend their territory to the death. 

Their eggs are about the size of a tic-tac.  OMG!  Can you imagine?  A fascinating fact is that the shape of their beaks - which can be up to four inches long - are determined by the shape of the flower from which they seek nector.  The longer the head or bell of the flower, the longer the beak of the bird.  They do have help, though, because flowers do intice these little guys and gals with their sweetness buried deep within.  So the bird has to almost bury themselves to have at the syrupy goo from the gods. 

Hummingbirds need an enormous amount of nector, about 1,000 flowers from dawn to dusk per day, and due to the lack of protein nectar offers, they eat a host of insects from flys to gnats.  Their wings flap about 200 per seconds - yes, that's right SECONDS.  And because of their high metabolism you would think that they would die in their sleep, but nope.  Their bodies go into a type of hybernation at night.  This lowers their internal temperature and allows for adjustments to match the outside temperature.  Then when the sun rises, so does their temperature and off they go.  It's truly fascinating!  Another interesting fact is that hummingbirds are native to the Americas, especially Peru.  So, if you are an avid bird lover and have a backyard feeder like Reena over at "missing moments," bird watcher or just enjoy our brillant, dazzling-colored feathered friends on the quick as they dart in and out of our lives in seconds, you can order the DVD and see this remarkable show.  Just go to www.PBS.com.

The hummingbird may be a small bird, but they touch our souls in a very big way.  True giants in the animal kingdom.

Cheers!!