Native Americans considered hummingbirds messenger of joy. They also symbolize the miraculous-the power to accomplish what seemed impossible. Hummingbirds are capable of feats no other bird can perform- they can fly backwards and sideways and can move their wings in a figure eight pattern, which is why they are also considered the symbol of infinity.
As they flit from flower to flower, feeding on nectar and pollinating their hosts, hummingbirds flap their wings 80 timers per second. One has to experience the hummingbird up close to fully appreciate its beauty. An iridescent rainbow of colors accents its tiny body. Hummingbirds are startling stunning.
The hovering action of hummingbirds teaches those who watch them to experience the present moment and to lighten up. It's impossible for our spirits to soar if we are burdened by fear and anxiety.
The lifespan of a hummingbird is three or four years. Except for the ruby-throated variety, most hummingbirds in the U.S. live on the west coast. The best way to attract these birds to your backyard is to have plenty of flowers for them to pollinate. You can also hang a feeder with one part ordinary sugar to four parts water. Keep the feeder away from windows and change the mixture every 2-4 days to prevent lethal bacteria from harming these previous birds.
Ellie Hartle
Source: hummingbirds.net(2008)
No comments:
Post a Comment