One good way to enjoy the company of hummingbirds is to plant a hummingbird garden. The garden is also a great way to capture the birds on film or video, and makes a much nicer backdrop for your photos than the typical plastic feeder. If you plan carefully and select a variety of plants that flower throughout the season, you will be rewarded with happy hummers all summer..

His long beak reaching to sup,
The red syrup from the feeder.
Tasting the sweetness of the nectar,
Is all that is on his mind.
With a shrill chirping sound,
The tiny sentry guards his treasure,
Chasing intruders away.
Another tiny-feathered friend,
In the garden hanging in mid air,
Suckling the sweet nectar,
From the depth of the blossom.

His tiny wings flapping,
Fifty times per second,
Like there is no tomorrow.
Flitting here and there,
Upside down, right side up,
Backwards, forwards.
This beautiful tiny bird,
Amusing to watch,
Pleasing to the eye,
And dear to the heart.
Hummingbirds,
Ever so precious.
Propagating pollen,
Keeping color in our world.

Poem by ©Jeannie Nourse/March 2004
Photos and Video by Steven and Becca