With spring here and summer on the way, everybody is getting their garden ready for the warmer season, which means lots of trimming and pruning. But before doing anything, you have to check for tiny nests with eggs, otherwise you could be endangering a family of hummingbirds!
This species is very beloved, especially because of their exotic and unique beauty. But the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is worried that many of these adorable birds may get endangered with the season’s tradition of garden care.
USFWS, which is responsible for protecting the ecology of our country, recently sent an announcement for everybody:
Hummingbird eggs are tiny, about the size of jelly beans! Please remember to carefully check for nests before you trim trees and shrubs this spring.
If you don’t know what these nests look like, pay attention to the pics below. The nests are tiny and very easy to miss, which is why we have to actively look for them. They are made out of spider webs, moss, and leaves, which create a delicate and intricate work of nature. They weigh less than one-tenth of an ounce!
The nests are made to be hidden from predators, with hummingbirds trying to camouflage them with bits of lichen. This effective method is perfect for keeping away animals that may hurt them, but it also makes the nests even more difficult for us to find.
Hummingbirds can be found all throughout the Americas, making them super easy for us to come across. This means that everybody should pay attention to them; it doesn’t matter where you live.They especially like well-maintained gardens, with bright and nectar-rich flowers. If you see one of these beautiful birds, they are probably building a nest somewhere near you.
Hummingbirds are such incredible creatures, and should be protected and provided a safe ecosystem. Remember to be mindful of them when pruning your garden and trimming your trees!
Have you come across any hummingbird nests this season? Please share your photos and thoughts with us at our Facebook page!
