Humanity is separated into those who gaze skyward and those who cast their eyes downward. I fit into the first category. This perspective allows me to uncover some of nature's hidden treasures.

In February of 2022, as the trees were nearly bare, I noticed a walnut-size nest while strolling to the park. It was impeccably constructed, adorned with feathers, spider webs, twigs, and a layer of lichen on its exterior. To my surprise, it housed a female Anna's Hummingbird, a species renowned for perching in the nest while steadily building up the rim around themselves. They diligently toil for up to a week to fashion the structure, which reaches a mere one inch in height.

February 2022 was the first time I spotted the tiny nest

It wasn't long before the nest's owner made an appearance. The first time I caught sight of her, she was perched on a branch at the tree's summit. Shortly after, she returned to her nest.

Mother hummingbird sitting at the top of the tree

After a hummingbird lays her eggs, typically two, oblong shaped, measuring around 1/2 inch long and 1/3 inch wide, she may spend varying durations incubating them. This period can range from less than a minute to up to three hours at a time, with breaks lasting anywhere from under a minute to half an hour, depending on the species. Incubation generally spans between 14 and 17 days, although weather conditions and species differences can impact this time frame.

Patiently sitting on her nest. It takes 2 weeks until the eggs hatch.

Upon hatching, the baby hummingbirds find themselves with closed eyes, devoid of feathers, and weighing approximately one-third the weight of a dime. At about an inch in length, they lack the ability to regulate their body heat, prompting the mother to nest closely with them for the initial eight to 12 days. After approximately two weeks, the nestlings develop sufficient temperature regulation to stay warm overnight in the nest.

The first time I laid eyes on the hatchlings, they had with tiny beaks and tightly shut eyes

2 weeks after hatching – getting too big for the nest

Barely fitting in the nest

The mother remained occupied with the task of keeping her offspring fed. When back to the nest, she nourished the nestlings with regurgitated sustenance from her bill, which typically included pollen, nectar, and tiny insects. Chicks leave the nest when they're ready to, usually after about three weeks; however, harsh weather conditions can extend the nesting period.

Experimenting life outside of the nest

 

Time to eat

 

I was fortunate enough to witness the fledglings' inaugural flight from the nest. They spent approximately one week perched in the tree, which was now adorned with leaves, providing them with protection against potential predators. They practiced fluttering their wings as they navigated from one branch to another, often doing so together. The baby hummingbirds emit a distinct sound when they desire their mother's attention for feeding. Based on my observations, she promptly responded to their call and attended to their needs.

Even after the young hummingbirds are capable of leaving the nest within 18 to 23 days, they continue to rely on their mother for support, gradually becoming fully self-sufficient within two weeks. Unlike the female, the male hummingbird does not contribute to caring for the chicks.

On February 6, 2022, I began documenting this captivating story through my photographs, and the saga continued until March 13, when the birds gracefully took flight and left their perches. In 2023, the tale unfolded once more. On the same tree, a new chapter began with the discovery of a nest on a different branch.

I've come to understand that Anna's hummingbirds in California typically do not reuse nests. Instead, they engage in a practice known as "recycling," utilizing their nest materials or even appropriating those of others to construct an entirely new nest.

The prospect of witnessing the remarkable process once again filled me with excitement last year, and I am hopeful for another opportunity to observe the entire cycle this year.

Hello world!