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February 15, 2010
Hummingbird Tales: They're growing (and growing)!
The hummingbird chicks continue to grow at an amazing pace, spilling over the edges of their nest. They still look like spiny reptiles, with whispy hairs on their backs and downy tufts beginning to sprout from the shafts of their still-nascent feathers.
The chick in the foreground seems to be the dominant one, crowding his sibling in the nest, spreading his pink, meaty little wings. On the other hand, maybe it's the fellow in the back who's the Alfa, enjoying the warmth as he snuggles deep in the nest, the fellow in the foreground more exposed to the elements.
I hear angry clicking and glance up, spotting the mother hovering overhead, keeping a close eye on me through the trumpet vines.
Satisfied that the chicks are in no immediate danger, she flies off, taking up station in a nearby Ginko Biloba tree.
Posted by Mike Lief at February 15, 2010 11:03 PM