Midwest Mary

Last Friday’s hummingbird photos raised a few questions about the magnificent, little ones, so I wrote a poem in response to those inquiries. You will find the poem after the second photo.

Hummingbirds are master aviators and quite fascinating to witness. Sadly, depending on the weather, I can see them in my area for only a few months each year, from about June through September. I anxiously wait for their return each spring and mourn when they depart for warmer temperatures at the end of summer.

Following the written poem, there is a recorded version and also an audio recording of the chipping and wing noise that I hear when these birds approach. Be sure to listen for the rapid beat of their wings and their little, squeaky voice.

Captivating

The hum of the wee creature,
ruby-throated hummingbird,
captures my attention,
and I can’t turn away.

She is only about
9 centimeters long,
that’s 3 ½ inches,
and weighs only three grams.

Her wings rotate
in a figure eight,
and rapidly beat
80 times per second.

Each year, Ruby journeys
2,000 kilometers,
that’s 1243 miles,
migrating from Mexico to Canada.

I watch my little friend
suck sugar water from feeders,
grasp insects from the air,
and linger among fresh blossoms.

She hovers, flies forward,
and backward, even upside down.
Then, as if she’s running late,
she suddenly darts away.

*

Chipping and wing noise from the National Audubon Society.

©2024, Mary K. Doyle