Not far from where I live, is a nature park. Beautiful hiking trails wind through white oak meadows, mixed deciduous forests and dark evergreen woods. The park is generally empty, except on weekends. We’ve seen deer, birds of prey, owls, pileated woodpeckers, songbirds and lots of wildflowers in the spring.
On one of our hikes we came across a hummingbird nest. It was expertly camouflaged and suspended between branches. It looked soft, being built from moss and lichen. We would have walked right past the nest, had it not been for the mother being very territorial.
I didn’t have my camera with me, so I came back the next day. I scrambled up a hillside, to be at eye level with the nest. There were two babies, just about to big for the nest. As I was taking pictures and observing, the mom flew right up to me, with her long and pointy beak maybe about 4 inches from my face. As she was checking me out, I thought “Boy, am I glad I am wearing glasses!”
I came back a few more times, watching the baby hummingbirds, learning to fly and feed on nearby plants. The mother was very attentive and fed them while they were exploring their new found freedom. In the evenings they would return to the nest, until they were able to fend for themselves.
Finding the nest and getting to watch the baby hummingbirds take flight for the first time is one of my most treasured moments ever!
in cahoots with muddy boots 
Love this series of photos! Glad momma bird didn’t poke you in the eye or attack you. Did you have to use a zoom lens here?
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Yes, I did use my zoom. Thanks for the feedback. I always enjoy visiting your blog.
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you’re welcome and thank you too!
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STUNNING photos! Great storytelling too. Loved this.
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Thank you Marlene. It was one of those moments in life that are unforgettable. I still walk past the nesting site, but never saw a nest there again.
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Oh my…I LOVE hummingbirds…awesome pictures
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Thanks Dawn. I think in my next life I’d like to come back as a hummingbird .
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Hummingbirds use to come right up onto my porch where I lived a few years back, but I have never seen a nest or baby Hummingbirds until now. Thank you!
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I feel very lucky to have been there. They are some of my very favorite birds. I love watching them in my garden all summer long.
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These are truly amazing pics… I will show them to Rosalie.
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Thanks! We went back to the gorge again today and the wildflowers were spectacular. I’ll post about it. Rosalie would like them.
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Astounding photos! We have nests in our Elderberry close to our house but I haven’t found them yet. I’d be at that park a lot if it were near me!
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I feel lucky to this day to have come across this nest. They blend in so incredibly well which makes them hard to see. Just keep watching, eventually you’ll discover it.
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