The cowboy was sitting outside relaxing reading the newspaper this morning, when he kept hearing a real fast fluttering noise. It was our new visitor.......a freindly little feathered friend. She worked her wings so quick it made a sound similar to a smoothly running engine. This minature wonder weighs only 2.2 grams! She is a mere 2 inches long, her heart beats 500 beats/minute! and she can fly a quick 25 MPH!
To feed her young she eats 500 insects a day, plus kissing each flower she comes in contact with for that sweet nectar! the feeder also contributes to her energy needs.
To prepare for the coming family, the female is in charge of bldg. the nest, of course!
She uses twigs, lichens, leaves, and anything soft she can find to pad the inside for a comfy warm bed to raise the babies in. Two eggs are normal for the first time family, and the nesting experience is only for 21 days!, then the babies have to be nudged out to fly! A hummingbird will beat their wings 80 times/minute, and breathes 250 times/minute! Babies practice fluttering their wings even before leaving the nest. Just like us, they play and can't wait to try testing those wings for themselves!
The male stays busy protecting the territory and local nectar supply, which is Wilshire Farms porch, for now......until moving day comes and they pack up to leave. (migration) This little male was ferocious in dive bombing any opponent contending for a sweet taste of this food. He would often fly into their path and even bop into their face! We counted 6 at one time trying to get close enough for a quick drink, but he was standing guard, or should I say winging guard!
What magnificent little miracles of nature...........God continues to totally amaze and impress me with the uniqueness of His creation. I can't imagine what He must of been thinking when He created the little "FLOWER KISSERS " but it shows even the smallest of life forms working perfectly and intricately where they find themselves in residence. It just so happened to be here. Isn't God good? He places such examples to us and if you don't slow down to observe them, you can miss them.
We are sometimes just like those little Flower Kissers, rushing here and there in our busy lives.
Thank you, for the sweet little Flower Kissers, Lord. Only you can make such a perfect little design as that.
