Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Escape

One of the downfalls of backyard hummingbird theatre is that hummingbirds are increasingly finding their way into our garage, and unable to find their way out. They hover at the ceiling, beating their wings as they frantically search for a way UP and out. They don't seem to realize that by flying a few feet DOWN they can exit by way of the gaping hole that is the garage door. This morning I discovered that one I thought I had found it's way out last night was still in there, and I tried gently coaxing her out with a large plastic rate. To no avail.

My parents arrived this afternoon to be here for The May Queen's birthday. They came bearing a flowering plant that they knew the hummingbirds would enjoy, and we hung it outside our kitchen window.

Later in the afternoon we saw the hummingbird again. She sat on the garage windowsill, looking out at the back yard and the feeder, chirping frantically, exhausted. My mother walked over to the window. The bird flew up but still pressed against the glass, trying to will her way through to the other side. My mother gently took the bird in her hands, walked to the door, and released her. The bird flew off.

"She didn't poop in my hand," my mother said simply.

How often we do, indeed, poop on the person who is simply trying to help us.

23 comments:

Girlplustwo said...

way, way more often than we should.

Kat said...

Your mother sounds just like mine. And how nice she didn't get pooped on. :)

alejna said...

Oh, man. Am I ever guilty of that. Especially if I am tired and stressed. (I'm not proud of the times I snapped at my mother when she was out visiting to help for the arrival of kiddo number two. At least I apologized. But ugh. Poop.)

JCK said...

Your mom is a hummingbird whisperer and you are so right on about the poop.

Anonymous said...

it's hard to overcome instinct.

LOL a JCK.

Jennifer said...

The idea of holding a hummingbird in my hand seems so...sacred. Wow. Wow!

(and no poop! hee.)

Aunt Becky said...

Truer words have yet to be spoken.

ewe are here said...

Too often, I suspect.


And oh how I miss hummingbirds.

They don't have them over here.

MARY G said...

Good for your mother. Our hummers have now departed for warmer climes. I miss them.
But instead we have Canada geese honking by almost hourly and sometimes coming in to land and feed. I love the music they make.

E said...

What a sweet moment. I just love this image

carrie said...

All of the time. Sadly.

Have a wonderful time with the birthday and your parents!

imbeingheldhostage said...

Oh, that's brilliant. Your Mom must be a hummingbird whisperer. We once had one trapped in our screened porch-- and you're right, they won't fly down. We cut the screen to get it out. It was all great until we saw how much it was going to be to replace that panel of screen :-(

Jen said...

Your mother sounds like a special person.

And oh... that poop. I have a fifteen-year-old.

Tell me about it, lol.

Amy Y said...

It let her hold it? That is so cool!

Have a great visit! :)

Amy Y said...

It let her hold it? That is so cool!

Have a great visit! :)

Amy Y said...

It let her hold it? That is so cool!

Have a great visit! :)

Aliki2006 said...

What a sweet and gentle image!

Mad said...

That has all the makings of a fine parable, PM.

Tania said...

I am highly impressed with your mom right now.

niobe said...

What Mad said.

Emily said...

OMG! How often do you touch a hummingbird?

Isn't it interesting how we have to completely wear ourselves out before we accept the help that is offered.

Sarcasta-Mom said...

What a lovely way to talk about poop. lol.

To often we poop all over those who try to help us, whether out of pride, shame, or just misplaced anger.

Chantal said...

I am totally loving all your hummingbird posts!