Chilly hummingbird

[packerbacker]

I keep a bird feeder out all year for these little guys here in Northern California. This guy was a little chilly and perching on the Christmas lights. He actually let me pet him and I lifted my grandson up and he got to pet him also. I finally wrapped my hand gently around him, cupped him in my hands and took him into the house. I breathed some warm air onto him for a while and he started to get a little more active. After a while, I carried him outside and released him. That was a few weeks back and he is still hanging around and active as heck.

 

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[TomB]

A smile just came to my face...................Thanks TomB

 

[ivan salis]

the cold is really a killer for hummers -- food is very critical for them --amazing to be able to actually touch a living one --

 

[ivan salis]

phelm , I thought it was a mint condition SLQ ---

 

[Merf]

Great pics and story. That is a lucky bird.

 

[River Rat]

Poor lil birdie. Thanks for helping our feathered friends.

RR

 

[Excavator]

Great pics!

I've read that Hummingbird feeders should be taken down in the fall, otherwise the little guys would try to hang around through the winter and freeze to death. When the food supply disappears, they'll head south.

Thanks for keeping an eye on the little guy!

 

[packerbacker]

Thanks all for the responses. Didn't mean to tear anyone up though TT.
Actually, having to take down hummingbird feeders in the winter to keep the birds from dying in the cold is a myth. I've heard that story all my life too but, when I decided to hang feeders out, I did a little research on the mix ratio of sugar to water etc., etc. and, during that research, I discovered that leaving the feeders out is actually encouraged. Some birds just won't or can't migrate and will stay around all year. I figured I'd just help them out a little. Researchers say that some hang around even if there aren't any feeders out; they find another food source.
On many occassions I have placed my thumbs and forefingers on the perches of the feeders and held still for a while and had the hummers come in and land on my fingers to eat. Can hardly feel them.

 

[Excavator]

I saw a video of a man with hummingbirds feeding from his mouth, or maybe he had something hanging from his hat. I guess they must be pretty confident with their escape velocity. They sure do hover with precision.

 

[larrybass]

Jeepers PB, lucky you, to be touching and even holding these, sweetest of all little birds! Then, to be able to save one's life,is just SO Kool and in doing so, you touched me with your compassion. 8) Thank you VERY much packerbacker, for sharing your wonderful experience and your splendid photos of the little hummers here with us.

later,

 

[SoreKneesDayton]

Nice pictures and very good deed. I got one in my garage and helped it out, when it landed on tip of my broom.

 

[Moonshadow]

What a wonderful story and great pics! You should consider submitting your story to Birds and Blooms magazine. They love those stories! Thanks for sharing!

HH,
Moon

 

[bigfish31]

Every time a child touches a hummingbird, an alcoholic drifter gets a new pair of shoes.

I think that is a line from a movie or something.

That is some funny crap. I love it!

 

[RON (PA)]

Packer,

You did a great deed by saving that little fella and you gave your grandson a great experience. I have a feeling that the bird know that you are friend. Great job.

 

[rmptr]

sure is a cute lil guy!
rmptr

 

[TN-Joe]

Packer,
You my friend is my hero for the month.
Thanks for the photo's.
Tenn. Joe

 

[sniffer]

Packer, even though I'm a Vikings fan, you just gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling. It's truly amazing how one little act of kindness can come back to you.
Have a goodun

Sniffer

 

[COUNTRY GIRL]

I'm with everyone else, how sweet. I forget how big of a soft spot you Men have sometimes . Thanks for being so kind, I'm sure it is something your Grandson will remember for life.

Oh, and the pictures are great!