MFR Artwork

"Hummer"

 If a branch has been trimmed with a nest and babies:  Re-attach to another branch in close proximity.  Secure it and be sure it’s under protective cover from weather and predators as best you can.  Keep nest and old branch all together.

IMPORTANT:  Once secured and in place must watch for the return of the mother hummer.  That means stay absolutely focused on the nest sight using both your eyes and ears. (no walking away) Have a seat for the next 45 mins where you can watch the nest.  The mother’s feeding schedule averages every 15 mins or 3-4 times in one hour.

• Triming:  it’s best not to trim vegetation during nesting season.  Or be very, very careful to observe before cutting.

•  BABY hummers that have fallen from their nest:  go ahead and put back inside nest if nest is whole.  Carefully pick up in your hand put back in nest.  If  it doesn’t stay build another nest with egg carton section or small basket lined with tissue then anchor it securely to branch close to original site of the other nest and place the baby inside.  Sometimes it gets crowded and one falls out.  Again follow the IMPORTANT instructions above for confirming the return of the mother hummer. 

•  A destroyed, broken nest:  can reconstruct a nest from cardboard egg carton section lined with torn pieces of tissue lining the inside (don’t use cotton balls).  Secure to the general area found. Or use a plastic strawberry basket if there is room to secure in the location.  Line bottom with dryer lint then a layer of tissue.  Make from tissue a donut roll of tissue to simulate small nest opening to place baby hummingbird inside.  Again IMPORTANT follow instructions above to confirm return of mother hummer.  Be sure that the babies are nestled down inside below the lip of the newly made nest. 

• NOTE 1:  The mother hummer will rejoin with her babies & not worry what the nest is made of or whether you have touched them.  She is far more interested in feeding her babies and caring for them. 

•  NOTE 2:  If the mother hummer does not return in the time frame given, call your local rehabber who could be listed online or an animal shelter. They may have the contact person or a wildlife center’s number to call for help. 

•  NOTE 3: If hummer fledgling, young hummer found and no nest in sight or an adult in trouble, CALL immediately for help.  Keep the little creature warm and secure until you can reach someone trained to help.  You may offer sugar water solution for hydration purposes (a 1-4 ratio of one part  white sugar to 4 parts water and simmer until dissolved, cool).  Be sure to keep sugar water off feathers.  Wick away with tissue if droplets fall on feathers.  No food coloring necessary. IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET THEM TO THE CORRECT FACILITY ASAP so they can receive the care and food they will need. 

•  Hummingbirds on ground generally need to be rescued unless nest is located.  Most often sparrows & finches can be placed away from danger and placed close to where found and the parent will find and care for them.  Exception with hummingbirds, it’s best to call your local rehabber or animal shelter for more specific advice for specific circumstances.