Hummingbirds

[Tucson T4R]

My intention is not to steal this thread. I read this thread because I intend on writing a book titled "The Hummingbird" (currently finishing a different book). "The Hummingbird" will be nonfiction about my travel companion, Oscar, who died two years ago this Dec. We purposely bought our van for him when he could no longer hike with us because of age. The van was like a huge climate controlled kennel on wheels. His last few days his mobility was minimal and he opted to stayed in the shade in the back yard. I work at night and sleep during the day. So for the last ten day when I came home in the mornings he was in the yard in the shade. After a shower and breakfast I would go outside to sleep next him on the cool flagstone. One morning I woke up because of a noise just above our heads, it was a Hummingbird. The Hummingbird hovered about a foot above the two of us long enough for Oscar to wake up also. Oscar lifted his head to look at the Hummingbird and laid his head back down. The Hummingbird then flew away. Oscar died that afternoon. (I still cry, like now, because I miss my co-pilot) Three days after his death I picked up Oscar's ashes from the vet. When I got home I sat in the backyard with Oscar's ashes, just like now, crying. After about 20minutes of sitting with his ashes a Hummingbird hovered about two feet above me to my front and looking right at me. After a long moment, the Hummingbird flew away. Ironically, we got Oscar from Australia where there are no Hummingbirds. Last year we took his ashes back to his breeder in Australia. A week after getting back from Australia, a Hummingbird was in the backyard again. Every time I see a Hummingbird it reminds me of Oscar. Thanks for posting these pictures. It was nice to see Oscar again.

I apologize for if this post if anyone thinks it was inappropriate for the thread.

No problem with your post. Sorry to hear about your loss. Very cool that you two shared the little hummers and you now have them to remind you of Oscar's life and all the good times you shared together.

 

[targa88]

A few more.

Incredible shot!

 

[Tucson T4R]

Incredible shot!

Thanks Targa, He is a goofy looking little guy.

 

[tacomaharry]

Sharing ?

 

[User_Name]

I have 3 hummingbirds that have decided to skip the migration trip and just overwinter in my yard.
Of course that means I get the duty of swapping out frozen feeders several times a day when the temps drop below freezing.

This shot was taken a couple mornings ago, the thermometer read + 19F

After this one filled it's belly with nice warm nectar it perched on a branch next too my deck and took a nap in the morning sun.