The Hummingbirds' Gift by Sy Montgomery

Author:Sy Montgomery [Montgomery, Sy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-04T00:00:00+00:00

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11:47 a.m.: The larger one perches on the edge of the new nest, laboring to breathe, scratching periodically. The smaller one convulsively shakes his head and wings. Both refuse to eat.

12:13 p.m.: The larger bird seems to be settling down. The smaller bird hunches, eyes closed. We can still see the bugs crawling on him. He shakes his head violently, almost convulsively. Brenda reluctantly decides to powder and dip him again. “I am so, so sorry!” she tells him, voice cracking with emotion. “I had one die after doing this,” she tells us. “He was really infested, with a dark ring that fell off by the hundreds. He was an Anna’s. Oh, I hate this.”

12:21 p.m.: After the second immersion, Brenda again offers both birds food; the larger bird accepts a tiny squirt and then turns away, as if the food tasted bad or made him feel sick. The other refuses.

12:45 p.m.: “Want some? Want some?” Brenda blows on the babies and waves the syringe. The larger one gapes enthusiastically and swallows his first real meal in an hour and forty-five minutes. “Yeah, you look good!” she says to him. “He’s just a little older, and his tolerance… plus he didn’t have as many bugs.” He rises and beats his wings, looking strong as a crowing cock. The food has revived him. This bird is going to make it.

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