Touch A Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are God's little bird angels. They bring such a warm and comforting joy each spring when they arrive here in the Ozarks. There is nothing like sharing a cup of morning coffee on my deck as the little rascals sweep in to sip up nectar from my petunias or the feeders I have methodically hanging from the decks ceiling! They seem to have no fear of humans at all but, I wonder...could I actually touch one?

Well, not at first. Especially not in the morning. They are on too much of a mission to feed their metabolism. The nectar provides the necessary fuel used for their quick flight during daylight hours. I have found that my best chance to touch a hummingbird comes after 5 o'clock in the evening. That's when I do most of my watering in the garden. I'm not smart enough to know whether the water attracts them to me or if it's just the time of day when they begin to slow down. Whatever the reason, that is the only time of day when I have actually been able to reach out and touch one of the little guys! They seem to like to hover over and around my petunias and salvias as I water. By slowly reaching towards one that seemed especially curious about what I was doing, I actually brushed against it's little tummy. And guess what? It didn't seem to mind!! Since that first time, I've been able to touch one or two every day. I have yet to get one to land on my hand but, they'll be back next year...maybe looking for a hand out! They will always get one from me!