Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

Bell- Hummingbird.08 Earl Plato

“Faster than a speeding bullet.” We are on our way to rural Wainfleet this late June day, 2008 to see our daughter, Son-in-law, and two grandsons AND the Ruby-throated hummingbirds. The Stokes, bird experts, ask the question - “What is it about hummingbirds that we humans find so fascinating?” Each year at the O’Brien’s we watch these delightful little guys flit about the feeders. I believe that their tiny size is the main reason. The Ruby-throated weighs only a tenth of an ounce and measures 3 and ¾ inches ( 9 cm). As they hover near the feeder you see their sparkling jewel-like plumage.
Grandson Lucas netted one trapped in the garage. It was flying into the walls trying to escape. “So small, grandpa. It played dead but when I opened the net it flew away.” I enjoy watching the antics of these miniscule songbirds.
Watch the hummingbirds that come to your yard. Wife, Elaine, is buying a hummingbird feeder for our back deck. There is still much to be learned about their behaviour. What are the patterns about their relations between male and female, adults of he same sex, and adults and young? Hummingbirds are very aggressive around their food sources. Wild times at the O’Brien feeders, I know. You will see much chasing and displaying, sometimes even directed at humans! The Ruby-throated hummingbird nest is the size of a thimble. Amazing world we live in, eh.

***
On the Friendship Trail
Canada Day, July 1st. A great sunny day. I visit 6 mile creek bi-weekly. Why? I am a turtle fan. Eastern mud turtles ply their way under the trial bridge. Then later the snapping turtles. As usual I parked on the shoulder of Centralia Avenue and walked the short distance to the creek bridge. In that half hour 11 adult cyclists. One man and his baby in a stroller, two walkers, 6 skateboarders, and two boys on little bikes passed by me. 23 users in that short time. I went from one side of the bridge to the other looking for any signs of turtles. No luck. Plato, look out! Two speed cyclist, a male and female, whizzed by me. No warning bell or word! I watched them as they approached Centralia Avenue. Cars hurt. Cars can kill cyclists. No slowing down as they sped on. My Canada Day words. Cyclists on our trail let walkers know that you are coming and respect road crossing signs! Use our great trail wisely.