So I've been pretty sad since Saturday morning. On Friday morning, a couple kind-hearted 8th graders came rushing to me with a tiny little "package." Inside was a very frightened and injured juvenile hummingbird. Apparently I'm the "animal" person on our campus, and any time there is an injured animal they bring it to me. So of course I took this poor little baby in, though not quite sure what to do with her. Her beak was bent and one of her wings was not quite right. I figure she either fell from great height from her nest, or she crashed into something.
Luckily I don't have a 1st period class, so I was able to set up my "emergency" cage I keep in my classroom for such purposes. I covered the bottom with tissues, and ran to another teacher whom I know has hummingbird nectar since she keeps a feeder outside her room. Unfortunately, little Bella (she was named by one of my 7th graders later in the day) wouldn't eat out of the petri dish I put in front of her. She did, however, very much like to sip drops of nectar from my finger. This was so cute it completely melted my heart. It got to the point where she would see my hand and open her beak to beg for food.
I had to move her into the lab storeroom that connects to my room so she wouldn't be a distraction to my 8th graders whom I have for periods 2-4. She didn't like that. We could all hear her chirping for attention through the door! I'd peek my head in, she'd look up at me, and open her beak for food. I'd feed her, but then she'd start about 5 minutes later. Too. Cute. Apparently she thought I was her new Mom. However, and how cool is this... my 7th graders were scheduled to do their "Bird Beak Adaptation" lab on Friday! So, once they had finished the lab and were working on their data analysis and conclusions, I was able to bring Bella out for them to see. I fed her for each class and they were able to witness her amazing almost-reptilian tongue lap up the nectar. Talk about a great coincidence! She loved all the attention and by this point in the day was very alert and even hopping around the cage and perching anywhere she could.
After school, I drove to Wild Birds Unlimited because I knew they'd know what would be best. I had spent my lunch hour researching care of injured hummingbirds and found out it's a felony to keep them in captivity unless you have proper permits. Yikes. Fortunately, Wild Birds Unlimited were able to give me the name of a woman in Anaheim who rehabilitates hummingbirds. I was able to find a feeder that would fit in her temporary cage, and I bought some nectar so she'd be OK through the night until I could get her to her new home. I was able to get her to sip nectar from a disposable pipette, and eventually got her to drink from the mini-feeder I put in her cage. Getting her through the night was another issue. I made sure she was well-covered with cotton, cranked up the heat, and closed all the vents in the house so our room would stay nice and toasty. She would have been used to sleeping with her sibling in the nest and definitely needed some heat.
I was so scared when I woke up on Saturday morning, afraid she wouldn't make it through the night. But when I opened up the curtains she looked up at me all bleary-eyed, and chirped for food! This just was the kind of cute that kills. She ate for awhile and then seemed satisfied. I put her on a perch that Geoff had fashioned for me the night before and she seemed much happier than being on the ground, though her balance wasn't all that great. I spent a long time before I finally made the phone call to the rescue lady. I really didn't want to let this baby go. I had seriously bonded with her. She let me pet her and she liked to be held, and totally trusted and relied on me. But, as painful as it was, I knew I couldn't care for her in the way she needed it. Hummingbird's primary diet requires protein in the form of insects. They only drink the carbohydrate-rich nectar to give them the energy to chase down the insects. You can't buy this kind of food for them unless you are licensed. I had hopes she'd wake up able to fly and I could release her in my yard where I have several feeders, but no such luck. So I made the call, and made arrangements for her new home.
This lady was too cute. She had to be in her 80s, and had tons of different birds in her home. She even had a newborn hummingbird that was seriously the size of my pinky finger. I stayed about 30 minutes while I watched her rush around to put the proper feeders in her cage, and examine her injuries. She told me that if she could fly, then she'd rehabilitate her and release her. But if her wing didn't heal, she'd need to put her to sleep. I really wish she hadn't told me that. That's just awful. Anyway, I sat for awhile and watched little Bella in her new home. She was very bouncy and hopped all around, and ate her new protein-infused nectar. Finally, I had to go and that was the hardest walk down the driveway. I cried. I can't believe I got so attached to this tiny little creature in such a short time. I really hope she is OK, and will fly away soon. Good luck, little Bella. Come see me, please.
Bella on Friday after I got her a feeder. She was getting sleepy.
Saturday morning, before taking her to her new home. Such a pretty little girl!
