Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures. When they stop to eat from the feeder, a person can become mesmerised by the sight. Their wings flutter so fast that they seem to be floating in mid-air. The tiny birds have just enough leg to keep their bodies from touching the limbs upon which they perch. But, to watch their graceful feeding, from a large picture window, with horses and rolling hills in the background, can be a calming event. This scene becomes an adventure when it involes my child.
6-year-olds, trying to catch a hummingbird, is also a fascinating sight. While spending the afternoon at his Aunt Christina's house, Jacob was told to go outside to run and play. Before he left the house, he noticed that the hummingbird stopped by the feeder frequently. When he stepped out the door, I watched him peek around the side of the back room. He dropped to his knees, and he began to inch along the wall using his best stealth moves. As he got closer to the hummingbird feeder, the tiny "prey" turned and buzzed by Jacob's red head as though he was telling my child that he knew Jacob was there. He practically stuck his little tongue out at my son. Jacob's shoulders dropped and I could tell that he was disappointed. He got up and walked back into the house and sat down beside me.
I asked what was wrong and he said, "Mom, I really want a hummingbird for a pet. I think it's time that I had one of my own." Needless to say, I hear about his desire for his own pet A LOT.
I told him, "Jacob, why exactly do you need a hummingbird as a pet?"
He replied, "Well, hummingbirds are so cool. I know he wants to go home with me. Did you see the way he stopped by my nose and then flew away? That showed me that he liked me. I promise I will feed him and take him out to the bathroom on a leash and I will name him Daisy."
"Jacob, hummingbirds need to be free and go from flower to flower to eat. They need to be with other hummingbirds, not people. I'm sorry, sweetie, you're not getting a pet hummingbird."
My little man said, "Okay. Can I watch Aunt Christina's hummingbird? I think if I play with him, he will follow me home."
I ok'd that idea and he went outside again. The same scene played out time after time. Jacob never understood that the bird saw him each and every time that he tried to sneak around the house. But, to watch a little boy try to befriend a tiny bird was a sight that can melt even the hardest of hearts.
Later that night, while sitting outside, I saw the first hummingbird visit my feeder this year. I think Jacob made quite an impression.
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