The Story of a Broad-tailed Hummingbird Nest
This summer, I set out with a simple hope: to find and photograph a hummingbird’s nest. Within minutes of arriving at a spot I had in mind, a female broad-tailed hummingbird appeared and revealed her tiny, camouflaged nest. What followed over the coming weeks was a rare opportunity to witness her patience, devotion, and the remarkable journey of her chicks — from hatching to their first flights.
An Unexpected Encounter
Within minutes of arriving, the female broad-tailed hummingbird hovered into view and settled onto her tiny, camouflaged nest — the moment her story began.
The moment she landed, her hidden nest revealed itself.
The Patient Work of Brooding
Day after day, she sat still upon her nest, shielding fragile eggs from the elements. Her stillness concealed the intensity of her devotion, a quiet rhythm of patience and protection.
Hours of stillness to protect the life within.
A Mother’s Endless Care
Once the chicks hatched, her rhythm changed. Dozens of times each day she returned, hovering with precision to feed them. Each delicate gesture was vital to their survival and growth.
Dozens of feedings each day kept the tiny hatchlings growing strong.
A delicate transfer of energy — nectar turned into life.
Field Note — Nature’s Housekeeping Instinct
Even tiny hummingbirds understand the importance of a clean home. The chicks instinctively leaned over the edge of the nest to expel waste, keeping their tiny cup sanitary and less detectable to predators. It was practical — and unexpectedly comical to watch.
Even hatchlings know to keep the nest clean — sometimes with comic timing.
Outgrowing the Nest
In just a short span, the hatchlings transformed into alert young chicks. What once looked like a spacious cup now seemed far too small for two restless siblings. The nest became crowded with growing wings and hungry beaks.
Two growing chicks quickly filled the nest that once seemed so spacious.
Sibling Love
Between feedings, the siblings often pressed tightly together, their tiny forms overlapping in the small nest. What looked like simple rest revealed tenderness, warmth, and the quiet bonds of shared survival.
The siblings often huddled close, finding warmth and comfort together.
Launching Into the World
As the chicks grew stronger, the nest could no longer contain their restless energy. One sibling stretched and fluttered its wings, then finally made the short leap to a nearby branch. There, the mother hovered close, checking in before leaving her young one to rest. Meanwhile, the second sibling remained in the nest, wings buzzing with anticipation, not quite ready to leap.
The first sibling found its strength on a nearby branch, as the mother hovered close to check on her fledgling.
The second sibling tested its wings, restless but not yet ready to launch.
Guardian of the New Life
Even as her chicks grew bolder, their mother remained close. From a nearby perch she kept watch, scanning for threats and returning often to check on her fledglings. Her vigilance revealed the delicate balance of freedom and protection in the earliest days of independence.
Ever vigilant, she perched nearby — guardian of the nest and its new fledglings.
Lessons in Wonder
Following this hummingbird family reminded me that photography is more than images — it is communion with nature. In those quiet moments, the mother seemed to acknowledge my presence, even pausing to “check on me” as she did her own chicks. Her resilience, devotion, and awareness revealed the wonder that is all around us, if we only stop to notice.
After feeding, she often paused to check on me — as if weighing whether I was friend or foe.
“Through patience and presence, even the smallest subjects can teach us to see more deeply — this is photography that reveals the wonder of nature.”