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The Kitchen Table

Baby Hummingbird

17 years ago

I posted this question on the Hummingbird Forum, but wondered if someone here may know the answer. They are kinda slow to answer. I have a hummingbird nest in the silver maple tree near my back deck. I have spent alot of happy hours watching the comings and goings of the two adults. Yesterday, I saw that a baby was hanging up side down from the nest. It appears to have it's claws entangled in the nesting material. The parents appear unfazed by this, and make regular feeding stops. the little one flaps it's wings and arches around at times, other times seems to serene, and just hangs there. Is this normal??? Or should I be doing something to help it??? If so, what do you suggest??

I am a novice about hummingbirds, but I feel very protective about "my little family". Any advice?

Thanks,

Susan

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Comments (6)

lydia1959
17 years ago
I don't think it's normal. I'd go and try to untangle him I think and put him back into the nest.
FlamingO in AR
17 years ago
I agree with Lydia, the parents wouldn't be able to help shove it back up to the nest so there's nothing they can do but feed it. Please go help it, it needs you! Oh, be very gentle with it's tiny little feet, they are made for clinging onto things but the legs aren't designed for walking more than a step or two. I bet it's tired!

Check out this video when you're done with your good deed for the day!

Here is a link that might be useful: Hummingbird clings to nest....
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OklaMoni
17 years ago
I would wear some gloves, like surgical gloves. Don't really want human smell to get on the little fella.

Moni
slcsusan
Original Author
17 years ago
OK, the great hummingbird rescue adventure is underway. DH is getting the ladder out, and I have found him some surg.gloves. Will keep you posted!
Thanks for your advice!!
Susan
lydia1959
17 years ago
Human scent doesn't bother birds. I'd leave off the gloves since you are working with delicate bird legs that could be easily injured (they may already be from his hanging upside down).

Give us an update, ok?

Here is a link that might be useful: Baby birds and human scent
grammahony
17 years ago
I was going to say too, that birds don't smell very well at all. That's a myth about birds smelling the human scent. Probably only vultures and such can smell really good.
Leslie

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