Great pictures of nesting Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are available on KidWings, a site dedicated to teaching “young and old about the wonders of birds.” My favorite is of a nestling upset about an approaching tent caterpillar.
Corey is a New Yorker who lived most of his life in upstate New York but has lived in Queens since 2008. He's only been birding since 2005 but has garnered a respectable life list by birding whenever he wasn't working as a union representative or spending time with his family. He lives in Forest Hills with Daisy and Desmond Shearwater. His bird photographs have appeared on the Today Show, in Birding, Living Bird Magazine, Bird Watcher's Digest, and many other fine publications. He is also the author of the American Birding Association Field Guide to the Birds of New York.
I have never seen an actual hummingbird nest up-close mysef. I have only seen them in photos and videos. To me, hummingbirds are such fascinating and amazing creatures. It constantly amazes me just how much there is to learn about these birds and I’m always trying to add to my knowledge of them.
Most typical hummingbirds build cup-shaped nests like the bird’s nests most of us are familiar with. Hermit hummingbirds build cone-shaped nests which hang vertically, attached to something strong enough to support the weight of nest and birds for the breeding season. Hummingbird nests are built with pieces of plants and often cobwebs, and females frequently need to repair the nest as the chicks grow.
Love that picture — I’ve bookmarked the site for closer scrutiny!