My Little Gift from Heaven

It was yesterday afternoon when a little gift from heaven appeared on my back porch.  At first I didn't even recognize what it was.  I had come home from running errands when I looked beyond the sliding-glass door and noticed something on the ground.....but what was it?  Was is a curled, dry leaf?  A piece of trash?  Or was it a brown bird?  I took a closer look.....and saw that it was a bird.....it was a hummingbird!  I gathered my camera and went outside to inspect.

It was so still.  Its crop was all puffed up.  Was it alive?  It didn't think it looked so good.  I figured it must have taken a hard knock from flying into the sliding-glass door.  I felt foolishly afraid to touch the little creature.  Was it on the verge of death?  Or would it peck me with its beak and try to ward me off?    As I bent down to pick up the tiny bird, I found that it was as sweet as it could be.....and as light as a feather.....and that it sported a beautiful 'coat of many colors'. 

Can you see the little tongue?

The hummingbird rested quietly in my hand.  What to do now?  I wrapped my hand around the little bird and brought it to the kitchen sink.  Perhaps a drink would be nice.  A  sliver of white tongue protruded from the long beak as the little bird sipped the water from the faucet.  Still, at this point I wasn't sure if the delicate little creature would live or die.  I pushed aside the thought that at any moment it might go limp in my hand.



I brought the little bird back outside.  Maybe now it would be ready to get on its way.  But no.....it was content to sit and let me stroke its little head and hold it.  I admired its delicate beauty, its softness and iridescence, and the strength in its wirey little feet that were able to grasp so securely onto my finger.  What a mini masterpiece!

I think he likes it!

Soaking up the sun!

I wondered what to do next.  Since it was a bit cool and breezy outside, I decided to heat up a rice bag as a heating pad for my little friend to let him get warm and cozy.  As he sat quietly, I was careful to monitor a little action from the wings.....sure didn't want the little guy to go flying around my house!

Nice and cozy!