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carolpk's review against another edition
Twenty minutes, every twenty minutes, scheduled and so important that Brenda Sherburn LaBelle set a timer to feed Maya and Zuni. Originally these twin Hummingbirds were not given names as their survival was not certain. They came to Barbara through WildCare, nearly dead.
”They were not moving or responding” Brenda said.
The challenge to save these two began. Only when there was a chance this brother brother and sister, born two days apart, might make it, were they named.
Have you ever sat and watched a hummingbird? In my neck of the US we are blessed with only one species of these beautiful birds, the Ruby-throated; just this one of approximately 240 (as quoted from this book but other sources claim 330 types) all in the Western Hemisphere. Would you have the patience, twenty minutes, to watch one this long, let alone feed one for days, starting early morning until nighttime to keep them alive?
If you have ever been mesmerized by the behavior of this jewel of a bird this is a story not to be missed. I thought I knew a lot about hummers but I learned so much in this less than 100 page gem. From its dedication "To mothers everywhere, who understand" to its last page it was not only delightful but also an insightful read as told by Sy Montgomery.
” Hummingbird rehabilitators are unsung heroes.”
An added note. Where did I find this book? Browsing the shelves of my local public library. Thank you to our librarians and staff.
”They were not moving or responding” Brenda said.
The challenge to save these two began. Only when there was a chance this brother brother and sister, born two days apart, might make it, were they named.
Have you ever sat and watched a hummingbird? In my neck of the US we are blessed with only one species of these beautiful birds, the Ruby-throated; just this one of approximately 240 (as quoted from this book but other sources claim 330 types) all in the Western Hemisphere. Would you have the patience, twenty minutes, to watch one this long, let alone feed one for days, starting early morning until nighttime to keep them alive?
If you have ever been mesmerized by the behavior of this jewel of a bird this is a story not to be missed. I thought I knew a lot about hummers but I learned so much in this less than 100 page gem. From its dedication "To mothers everywhere, who understand" to its last page it was not only delightful but also an insightful read as told by Sy Montgomery.
” Hummingbird rehabilitators are unsung heroes.”
An added note. Where did I find this book? Browsing the shelves of my local public library. Thank you to our librarians and staff.
glowbird's review against another edition
3.0
Wanted more science writing and less emotional goo about saving baby animals. A worthwhile investment for sure, but the essay leaned so heavily on the emotions of the humans caring for the birds that it turned me off.
teriboop's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Author of The Soul of an Octopus, naturalist Sy Montgomery documents the care of two infant hummingbirds as they are cared for by rehabilitator Brenda Sherburn La Belle in conjunction with WildCare, a wildlife hospital. These delicate creatures must be cared for and fed every 20 minutes until they grow to fledglings. These tiny birds were abandoned and found by a young, married couple and turned over to WildCare in hopes of their survival. Montgomery follows their growth and the issues that are faced during their care through the time they are finally released, an interesting event in itself.
Along the way, Montgomery explains how delicate these beautiful birds are, the myriad kinds of hummingbirds, and many details that contribute to their awesome beauty. Montgomery is a wonderful, engaging author.
Along the way, Montgomery explains how delicate these beautiful birds are, the myriad kinds of hummingbirds, and many details that contribute to their awesome beauty. Montgomery is a wonderful, engaging author.
starstuff's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
tense
5.0
jvillanueva8's review against another edition
4.0
There was nothing specifically wrong with this book, it just featured most of my least favorite parts of Sy Montgomery’s writing but wasn’t substantive enough to bring out the redeeming qualities. Hummingbirds are cool though.
dogtrax's review against another edition
4.0
Short and sweet and insightful .. hummingbirds are amazing!