Lessons from our hummingbirds
I was late putting out hummingbird feeders this year so my tiny favorites were slow in establishing themselves as residents. But this week, after a summer rainstorm, they made their presence known. As we rocked on the porch enjoying the cooler temperatures brought by the shower, three excited birds put on a show–and we gleaned some lessons from our hummingbirds.
Like humans and others of our Father’s creation, birds can have personalities, too (although maybe it’s “bird-alities). Anyway, these little birds each had distinctive behavior traits.
Struggling for dominance and control
Two of the hummingbirds were greedy and struggled for dominance. They chased each other from feeder to feeder, never allowing time for a sip of the sweet red nectar. The two fighters had no interest in taking turns or sharing. Their only focus was on what they wanted and it was obvious–each wanted all the nectar and were willing to sacrifice their own chance to eat, just to be sure the other bird didn’t get anything.
Taking advantage of opportunity
The third bird, much smaller that the two fighters, watched and waited for opportunity. This smarter bird hovered nearby until the other two chased themselves away from the feeder. My smaller, wiser friend honed in on the available feeder and took long drinks as the others flew in long passes back and forth–too busy to notice someone was eating while they fought.
These birds challenged me to ponder…
- Do we know our long term goal in situations we encounter? Is it to accomplish something worthwhile or keep someone else from reaching their goal?
- If we look only toward the negative, do we recognize that great opportunities may pass us by?
- When we act on impulse, without thinking through our actions, do we lose out on what we most want?
- When we struggle to be in control, who wins? Who loses?
Rather than fighting, if the birds had worked together, taken turns, agreed to share the bounty of blessing from the feeders, they each could have eaten their fill without wasting energy fighting over their food.
What about us?
Don’t we accomplish so much more when we cooperate, work together, take turns, and share?
We find wisdom in Scripture to guide us along the path of cooperation.
There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1 Corinthians 12:25-26)
God’s Word guides us to live and work together in harmony.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16)
When we work together, we can accomplish so much more. We all have a part in this process. Scripture reminds us of the value of encouragement.
Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
I appreciate the lessons from our hummingbirds and the joy we experience watching them. Nature gifts me with knowledge each day (if I pay slow down and pay attention!). Please feel free to share a bit of nature’s wisdom you’ve observed recently.
Wishing you blessings, my friends, and much joy in working with others for our Lord.
Katherine, I’ve always been intrigued by hummingbirds-especially the rate of their flapping wings being such a small creature. And, I don’t ever recall anyone noticing a hummingbird without commenting in delight. My lesson- God crafts His creatures including us, in unique ways and may we, bring delight not division in our encounters with others.
Marilyn, Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts–your lesson gleaned from nature. That’s a wonderful prayer for us; “May we bring delight not division in our encounters with others.” Hummingbirds do bring delight and brighten our days–another of God’s beautiful creatures.
Hummingbirds are fascinating and they are fierce fighters for such little birds.
I haven’t put out feeders at our new home in the mountains for fear of attracting bears. But I still see a few in my flower beds.
My husband and I marvel at the antics of the purple martins in our yard. They circle around their nests as a team to protect their babies and often dive bomb our cats if they roam too close. We’re happy they have made their home with us because we virtually have no mosquitoes in the summer due to them and the bats.
There are many lessons we can learn from nature if we take the time to observe God’s creation.
Thank you, Katherine, for your insightful post.
No mosquitoes! Oh, what a blessing that is! I know you are thankful for your purple martins. Besides taking care of your mosquitoes, they are a wonderful example of caring for their families–not only their babies, but the baby birds of other families, too. Thank you for sharing this inspiring lesson, Suzanne.
Excellent post, Katherine. I didn’t even know hummingbirds had differing personalities. It does give us things to think about.
I haven’t done an extensive study of hummingbirds, but I think it makes sense that animals and birds are unique, just as people are. But I admit that I study people personalities more than animal ones, so I’m just speculating about this. Although my hummingbirds did exhibit both aggression (fighting over the food) and patience (waiting for their food after the dueling birds left the area). Thanks for stopping by my blog, Priscilla.
I love hummingbirds, too. we’re trying to entice them to our yard with a feeder and once in awhile we see one, but not sure they stick around, much less put on a show like you saw! Great lessons in cooperation!
My hummingbirds were slow to come this year so maybe yours will come and stay a while. I enjoy watching these beautiful little creatures. Thank you for visiting my blog, Kathy. I hope you’re enjoying summer.
I love hummingbirds! Mama and Daddy shared their love of birds with me. The hummingbirds have been enjoying our lime hydrangea today. 🙂 God gives us many blessings to enjoy in life.
Lime hydrangeas–they sound lovely! No wonder the hummingbirds are attracted to them. I agree, Melissa, we are so blessed and one of the most special of those blessings is the opportunity to watch His beautiful creatures. I’m glad you have the opportunity to watch and listen to birds. I enjoy their morning song as I care for our horses.
What a lovely post, Katherine, both the words and the photos. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind encouragement, Diana. Wishing you a blessed week.
I love hummingbirds, too! They are amazing. Thank you for sharing the lessons you learned from them. My lesson is from my hibiscus 😊 One rainy, gloomy morning I went on the front porch and a bright yellow bloom was shining with all its might. Reminded me to shine the light of Christ in a dark world.
Your imagery makes me smile as I imagine your beautiful hibiscus. I don’t think I’ve seen a yellow hibiscus, only white, pink, and deep red come to memory. A yellow one would be a wonderful reminder for us to “shine the light of Christ in a dark world.” Wishing you joy and blessings, Kim.
I’m always thoroughly entertained by the hummingbirds that visit my feeders. Love the truths you’ve drawn from their behavior. There’s so much for us to learn from God’s creation.
I’ve been away for home for a few days and returned early this morning. My little bird friends weren’t as active today (I think they missed me!) I agree, Terri, “there’s so much to learn from God’s creation.” Wishing you a blessed and joyful week.
Don’t you love it when nature teaches us lessons? I have been watching my hummers also. I have named them Ralph and Edna because I can tell they are the same ones that come back. The male runs the female off but she is persistent and comes back. Thanks for sharing this great example that we can learn from.
Ralph and Edna! I love that, Barbara. Thank you for sharing joy with your response. I notice at your house, it’s the female that has the patience! (wink) Blessings, my friend.
Lovely story, Katherine. I have a hummingbird story although I’ve never tried to attract hummingbirds. My daughter had moved cross country to California after she’d married. I missed her like crazy. One night on the phone she told me about the hummingbirds that had found her feeder.
The following morning I saw a hummingbird outside my kitchen window! Never had I seen one in my backyard before! I interpreted it as a message from God reminding me that my daughter and I would always be connected no matter how far away she was.
Thank you for sharing that sweet story, Candyce. What a blessing that God sent you that message of love through a hummingbird. Yes, we are always connected with our children no matter how far away. Just as we, as children of God, are always connected to our loving Father.
We all do better when we all get along. Great message, Katherine. God bless!
My prayer is that we can get along. It seems as if we’re always fighting about something. It’s another reminder that we, as God’s children, blessed by the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, need to be more committed to sharing that love of Jesus with others. Wishing you a blessed week, Nancy.
Love this post, Katherine. Our hummingbird feeder hangs just outside of our dining room window. I spend many mornings chuckling at these stingy birds. We have a male who sits there watching and waiting. He doesn’t drink. He’s on the lookout to chase away the other hummers who want to enjoy a sip. And our cat! She perches herself on our plant stand inside and chatters at the tiny birds. I’ve even seen them flutter in front of the window as if they are taunting her. So funny to watch. Great lesson here. Thank you!
Well, LuAnn, it’s good to know that it isn’t just “my” hummingbirds who are greedy, stingy, and don’t want to share. I guess that’s a trait of hummers. But I have noticed that some of them are patient and willing to take turns, so perhaps there’s hope for them. I’m thankful for God’s guidance and help when we humans try to be more kind, loving, and compassionate with each other. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.