Hummingbirds build some of the smallest and most incredible nests in the bird world, and getting the chance to watch a mother raise her tiny chicks felt pretty special.
We found this little nest tucked carefully onto a branch, covered in bits of moss and lichen that helped it blend almost perfectly into its surroundings.
Inside were two tiny hummingbird chicks.
They were so small that it was hard to imagine how much growing they still had ahead of them.
Throughout the day, their mother would disappear in search of food and then return again and again for frequent feedings.
The moment she arrived, both babies would stretch upward with their mouths wide open, each one waiting for its turn.
Feeding time was fascinating to watch.
The mother would place her long beak deep inside the chick’s mouth and regurgitate food directly into its throat. It looked surprisingly dramatic for birds that were so tiny and delicate.
Then, almost as quickly as she had arrived, she would take off again in search of more food.
The chicks would settle back down into their impossibly small nest and wait for her return.
Watching them grow was such a beautiful reminder that some of the most incredible wildlife moments can happen in the smallest places.
A tiny nest.
Two tiny chicks.
And a mother working endlessly to help them grow.
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