It is almost time for the arrival of the glorious hummingbirds to New England. They are on their way here, expected to arrive soon.

My husband prepared our feeders today for them. We don’t want to miss their arrival. They remember where they were fed previously.

Here is a poem I wrote several years ago about hummingbirds.

HUMMINGBIRD

by Janice Spina

It’s as delicate as a butterfly

And graceful as a lark.

Wings beating in a symphonic rhythm

As it maneuvers around each flower,

And dips its beak to draw out the sweet-smelling nectar.

I watch as it moves effortlessly.

Its iridescent wings rapidly beating

As it hovers like an acrobat in midair.

Its feathers glisten with color and reflect the sun’s rays.

Seeing this bird in its element is to experience pure wonder and joy.

One knows there is something greater out there

That made the glorious hummingbird!

Here are some exciting facts about these amazing little creatures. My source for info below is Wikipedia.

Hummingbirds are birds from the Americas that constitute the family Trochilidae. They are among the smallest birds, most species measuring 7.5-13 cm in length.

Lifespan: 3-5 years

Speed: 49 mps (Maximum, Diving)

My source for information below is defenders.org.

Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds with iridescent feathers. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 80 times per second) that they make a humming noise. They can fly right, left, up, down, backwards, and even upside down. They are also able to hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern. They have a specialized long and tapered bill that is used to obtain nectar from the center of long, tubular flowers. The hummingbird’s feet are used for perching only, and are not used for hopping or walking.

Hummingbirds primarily eat flower nectar, tree sap, insects and pollen.

Their fast breathing rate, fast heartbeat and high body temperature require that they eat often. They also require an enormous amount of food each day. They have a long tongue which they use to lick their food at a rate of up to 13 licks per second.

If you would like more information on these incredible birds, go to Wikipedia, defenders.org or other sites.

As soon as I see them I will share photos and the date they are spotted. In previous years they have arrived in the first week of May. We always put out the feeders early just in case they arrive sooner.

I hope wherever you live you will see these birds and share in the glory of their creation. They are wondrous to behold. My heart fills with joy at the sight of them.

Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!

READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!

Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina

Award-Winning Author

Jemsbooks for All Ages!

Jemsbooks.com

Jemsbooks.blog

Jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net

AMAZON.COM AUTHOR PAGE (All books)

AMAZON.COM JE SPINA NOVELS PAGE

AMAZON.CO.UK

BARNES & NOBLE

BARNES & NOBLE (18+ NOVELS)