This morning I watched a hummingbird in my backyard. The lucky spotting happened leaving the garage to return to the house. I had just finished taking out the recycling and garbage for pick up. A particularly invisible task that rarely feels gratifying. Even though it was early in the day, I could feel the heat creeping up. A slight sheen of sweat already starting to pepper my forehead and collect at the back of my neck. Then I spotted the little hummer zooming around. Instantly my mood lightened.
I stood mesmerized by this tiny flyer, watching her flit effortlessly from flower to flower. The core of her form remained almost motionless in stark contrast to the rapid fluttering of her wings. They appeared as vibrating, grayish smudges on either side of her body. Her beautifully choreographed movements were precise and efficient. She zoomed from one flower to another covering an entire section of the shrub within seconds.
Ever since the Rose of Sharon started to bloom in the backyard a couple weeks ago, I’ve been watching for hummingbirds. I have a love-hate relationship with the Rose of Sharon. The flowers are beautiful and abundant. They attract all kinds of amazing creatures, including hummingbirds. But often I can hear bees buzzing in the flowers and see butterflies.
We have several mature ones in the backyard in several different colors. The ones right outside my bedroom window are so large they cover it completely in full bloom. I’ve discovered over the years that their seeds pods are as prolific as their flowers. Now I spend weeks every fall deadheading the shrubs to prevent them from spreading further. Yet, I look forward to their blossoms each year, mostly because they attract the hummingbirds.
In many cultures, the hummingbird is a sign of joy, luck, and magic. They are said to be messengers, sometimes from loved ones who passed away. Today, it felt like a small gift, just for me. Perhaps as a reward and quiet “thank you” for taking out the trash.