Sunbird

Sunbird 1

A Sunbird in my hand is worth many in the bush.

I have been trying to capture a decent photograph of this little Sunbird for many years. All I had to show for my efforts were lots of photos of empty bushes and skies! (He was far too quick for me!)

Sunbird 2

Today he flew right into my lounge.

He is a Lesser Double-Collared Sunbird.

The first priority, of course, was getting rid of the wolf! So I shut Little Monkey in the kitchen. Then we could set about rescuing this lost little soul.

Sunbird 3

Panicked, he flew round the room, repeatedly bumping his head on the ceiling. Eventually, exhausted, he settled to rest on the burglar bars in a window.

Sunbird 4

We managed to carefully shoo him out of the side window, only to have him immediately fly right back in the door! He ended up on the floor by the security door, so I scooped him up very gently in my cupped hands.

Sunbird 5

He weighed nothing at all. (Well, according to google, 8 grammes!)

As I cradled the poor dazed bird in my hands, we silently regarded each other; he with bemusement and I with wonder.

What a treat!

Sunbird 6

Then I carried him outside and placed him on my honeysuckle bush. This is where I have seen him before, fleetingly. He was a bit clingy, but I scraped him off and left him sitting on a branch, still quite confused.

Sunbird 7

He remained there for a while, then shook his head and took off, gaining altitude and flying strongly towards the trees.

I hope the dent on his head was merely ruffled feathers and he recovered fully.

 

 

37 thoughts on “Sunbird”

  1. sportsattitudes

    We had a blue jay fly into the house once and it was a nightmare trying to coax him or her back outside. A bit of yelling, a bit of pleading and a light touch with a broom were all in play as it took an extensive tour of the first floor before heading out our front door. It entered through the garage without our knowledge and eventually got into the kitchen…where it began its journey in earnest. It was tired and scared upon exit but I’m proud to say both of us lived to see another day. Sounds like both you and your feathered friend did also – happy for that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. scifihammy Post author

      I’m glad you rescued the blue jay. I find it stressful for all concerned when birds fly inside. Fortunately, it isn’t often, considering our doors and windows are open most of the year!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Aquileana

    Oh … this is so lovely…. I hope he fully recover as well. As I read and scroll down, I was thinking of how fragile life is, indeed. But the fact that he had taken off, once you took it out gives me hope!. Love this post, my friend. All the best to you, always! ⭐

    Liked by 1 person

    1. scifihammy Post author

      Thank you so much, Aquileana. 🙂
      I did gently check the tiny sunbird and stroked his head. He seemed OK, just a little stunned and confused. I am hopeful he made a full recovery and will pop back in my garden again – but not in my house! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. blosslyn

    Ha ha sorry I though for a minute he had pecked you, the plaster on your finger 🙂 What a little darling and to have held him, such a treat, lovely photos 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. scifihammy Post author

      Thank you GH. We are just soooo lucky! 🙂
      These Sunbirds are a particular favourite of mine, with their iridescent green feathers, but so hard to photograph as they are tiny and flit about!
      Sometimes I get the feeling that I am very much the intruder in the natural habitat of all these birds and animals, but fortunately they tolerate me! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Midwestern Plant Girl

    You can add BIRD RESCUER to your hat now! 😋
    What a cute little bird. I’m sure he was just looking for tea and a biscuit… ha ha!
    We get a few humming birds in our garage in the mornings when I let the dogs out. I’m not sure what’s so attractive in there, but luckily opening the big door lets them fly out easily.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. scifihammy Post author

      Tho we occasionally do get the odd bird fly in the lounge, this is the first time it was a sunbird. Like you say, I don’t know why they fly inside. I just felt lucky to be able to hold it. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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