Jewel Box

“We may never see this again in our lifetime,” said one birder to another on Saturday as I was passing by. Well, that piqued my interest!

They had been shown a Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest on Rob Jett’s Green-Wood bird walk earlier that day. The tiny lichen-covered cup was a challenge to spot, but soon after I had it in view the mother came back with food.

Hummingbirds are currently in migration, so this is prime season for seeing them around here. But a nest in September!? This is late. Hurry up and fledge!

Two days later, I fought the mid-afternoon sun for a view from below.After being fed, the two nestlings did some stretching.

Look at those developing wings!

This is the first Ruby-throated nest I’ve seen in Green-Wood. The others I’ve been privileged to see over the years have been in Prospect Park (in May and July).