Hummingbirds

My family has always found comfort and joy in nature and we were raised to be aware of the natural world around us. We derive a lot of joy watching birds and animals daily and from our first day here on the Mesa we have especially enjoyed the hummingbirds. On that first day, moving-in day, we discovered a hummingbird nest with two tiny babies in the tree by the front walkway. The nest was attached to the very end of a branch and the wind would send it swaying violently but the two little ones hung on and grew until one day we witnessed them take their first flights.

Lone hummer resting on a Joshua Tree at Dusk

In "Animal-Speak" by Ted Andrews, a wonderful source for the symbolism of animals, birds, reptiles and insects, he states that hummingbirds will lay 2 eggs. The number two being representative of the feminine inner Self of which we must honor and express in order to find our own bliss. For me the nest held a special message.

We now have about nine regular hummingbirds that visit the three feeders we have around the yard. They are very curious and will come right up to you and look you over. When their feeders are empty they go to the kitchen window and look in at you as if to say "hello, the feeder is empty you need to refill, we are hungry." They play and have mock battles with each other, vie for position, hover and wait in line at the feeders, and sometimes they buzz right by your head when you are sitting in the back yard. They are as fun and vibrant as their colors. They remind me that no matter how fast I'm going and how much I am doing that I need to stop, step back and be joyful and thankful for this very moment. Quick...name three things that brought a smile to your lips today or made you wonder. If you can't, go outside and look around! We'd love to hear about the wonderful things you see too.