Two Baby Hummingbirds, The Size Of Jelly Beans, Rescued By California Humane Society

Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/two-baby-hummingbird-rescue/

Animal rescues commonly save dogs, cats and farm animals, but on occasion save wild birds. California’s SPCA Monterey County recently took in one of their smallest rescues ever… two hummingbird nestlings the size of jelly beans.

Hummingbirds are one of the smallest birds, measuring just 3-5″, and are constantly in motion. They get their names from the humming noise their wings make as they beat together up to 55 times a second.

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Due to their small size, their nests are only 1.5″ in diameter and the babies, known as nestlings, are the size of jelly beans.

Just like other birds, they build their nests in trees and bushes and can be easily missed by people who are trimming shrubs in the spring.

SPCA Monterey County posted a warning to residents to be on the lookout for nests. “Hummingbird nests are tiny, about the size a golf ball. Hummingbird nestlings are even tinier, around the size of a jelly bean, and weigh about 1/3 the weight of a dime. Because of this, they are nearly impossible to see when trimming trees or shrubs. Please avoid trimming this time of year to let these and other little ones grow and fly!”

two baby hummingbird rescue 2 - Two Baby Hummingbirds, The Size Of Jelly Beans, Rescued By California Humane Society — Photo: Facebook/SPCA Monterey County

The humane society is caring for the hummingbirds who were found alone in their nest. It is unclear if the nest blew out of a tree or was found by a person gardening. Their goal is to always reunite the babies with their mother, unless the mother cannot be found.

Once the hummingbirds are of age to be on their own, they will be released back into the wild.

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Hummingbirds are vital pollinators who visit between 1,000 and 2,000 flowers per day. Similar to other pollinators, they are at risk due to habitat loss. You can help by creating a hummingbird-friendly garden.

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How To Attract Hummingbirds

Add More Red

Hummingbirds love the color red and are drawn in by the bright color. Plant red flowers, hang a red feeder, or even tie a red ribbon in a tree to attract the little beauties.

Hang Multiple Feeders

Spread out the feeders so hummingbirds at one feeder cannot see the other. The feeders provide nectar that is vital to the bird’s survival. You can make it with the following recipe by Audubon. “Fill the feeders with sugar water; made by combining four parts hot water to one part white sugar, boiled for one to two minutes. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye.”

Be sure to regularly clean the feeders before they become cloudy.

two baby hummingbird rescue 4 - Two Baby Hummingbirds, The Size Of Jelly Beans, Rescued By California Humane Society — Photo: Pixabay

Plant Flowers That Bloom All Year

Plant native red and orange tubular flowers to attract the hummingbirds. Be sure to deadhead your flowers so they continue to bloom. Also, ditch the pesticides.

Provide Water Source

Hummingbirds love to bathe and Audubon states that a misting source of water is their favorite.

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Don’t Remove Spider Webs

Hummingbirds use the strings from spider webs to create their nests. Aside from using the materials to build a nest, the little birds will steal insects trapped in the web as a snack.