I have a hummingbird nest precariosly balanced but sticking way out of an established ficus pemalia plant that has engulfed my column by my main entrance. I have several feeders and the hummers are always feeding. Recently I watched one buzz me and continuously return to her nest right there. We had a freak cold storm out of Alaska coming with freezing rain and strong winds. I know the nest is too exposed to survive it. I wanted to help protect it a little and I was able to install and umbrella in such a way as to protect the nest without ever having to touch it. Momma hummer was doing her due diligence to ward me off but I was done very quickly and still saw her. She did go back to the nest but when I checked on it later she wasnt there. I was very relieved to be buzzed by her the next morning but I havent seen her sit on the nest and now I havent seen her the rest of the day or evening. I am devestated that in trying to subtly protect the nest that i caused her to abandon it. Especially since she has dealt with my constant in and out of the front door the last two weeks. Will she be back? Did I cause her to leave? Input is greatly appreciated.

Poor little thing. Seems to be missing some hummingbird nous about nest building. Or maybe she's just a low-ranking bird and can't find anything better. Must have been horrible for you seeing that happen last year. Do you have trees or bushes in your yard she could use? If not, maybe you could strap or tape some kind of shelter on for her. But it will be hard to make sure it won't blow away in a strong wind. Hope you find a solution.

The nest may be infested with mites, or something. If the baby doesn't want to be there, something about the nest is not good. There is a rehab facility in Walnut Creek, The Lindsay Museum, phone number 925-935-1978, located at 1931 First Ave. I don't know whether you live in that area. This URL has addresses and phone numbers for various rehab facilities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. http://www.parentspress.com/wildliferehab.html If you live in another area, you can call your local animal control for rehab referral. Lorna

What great pictures! Even caught her expression! As for the lawnmower, I think the noise scares her bad enough that she "freezes", but when you walk up, she flies to lead you away from the nest. I have a pair of doves in my yard, too. Have never found a nest, but love their cooing. (My mom used to think it was owls!) If they are on the ground and I'm walking around outside, sometimes they will "freeze" to hopefully blend in with their surroundings. Most of the time they stick out like a sore thumb - like when I was a kid and thought if I shut my eyes I was invisible! They are great little garden companions. Thanks for the photos! Carolyn