Close Encounter of the Avian Kind

I opened my front door this morning to be greeted by a hummingbird flying straight at me, in a friendly way. I assumed it would fly off immediately but no, it kept coming back to the porch four or five times.

public domain

What is it about interacting with an animal that is so captivating? An even better experience is when it is aware of your presence and seems to acknowledge it in some way. Don't you just wish you could have a real conversation with them. 

 

Photo: Kristin Harris

I was saddened by the fact that I had recently pulled up scores of zinnias that had attracted the hummingbirds and many other birds and insects, especially the yellow finches. Maybe the hummingbird this morning was registering a protest or asking where they went?

Hummingbirds can be belligerent  little bullies. I was quite surprised to learn this recently. I didn't see this behavior with the zinnias. Perhaps I would have seen it if I had a hummingbird feeder. I makes sense that they protect their sources of food and mating territory. They don't look like toughies!

What kind of close encounter did you have today?


Related Post:

Have You Thanked a Tree Today

https://anim8nature.blogspot.com/2018/03/have-you-thanked-tree-today.html


Animating Nature & Science

I see a world where the transformative power of art and the creative problem solving of science blossom together. This is possible when we encourage our children to explore science with art and allow them time to imagine and create. Anim8Nature is dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship by exploring science with art and encouraging careful observation of the natural world.

Learn more about Anim8Nature.com on this blog and our website. I have assembled a team of experts to create media, lesson plans and workshops to help students and families explore science with art. We want to spark curiosity and get kids outside as environmental stewards. Join us.

A Moment with a Praying Mantis

Creating content for children appeals to me primarily because children have a sense of wonder that many lose as adults. Children's imagination engine is firing on all cylinders. It doesn't hurt that my mental age is 5 years old. There is a natural affinity.

Many of our formative experiences as children frame our lives.  So as a creator, it's fun to imagine producing content that makes that kind of impression. It's even more fun to have those experiences that engage the awe and wonder of childhood.

Praying Mantis        Public Domain