HUMMINGBIRDS, TRUE FAIRIES OF THE WESTERN WORLD

Gorgeted Woodstar Hummingbird 

This week we take a look at one of our favorite design inspirations: 

 HUMMINGBIRDS 

We know we aren’t alone in our fascination with this wonderfully colorful bird and share some of what we learned as we dug deeper into the bird’s history. 

Found only in the western hemisphere, hummingbirds received their name because their beating wings are heard as a hum by the human ear. 
The flapping rate of their wings ranges from 50 to 200 times per second, which allows them to fly at speeds exceeding 34 mph. As a result they can easily fly backwards or upside down and often are seen performing exquisite aerial dances.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The smallest of the species, the Bee Hummingbird weighs less than a penny, feeds on nectar and the occasional insect and beats its wings an amazing 80 times per second. 

Naturalists have catalogued over three hundred species, and it is believed that not all have been discovered yet.

Male Violet-crowned Wood Nymph

Called "flower kissers," by Brazilians the iridescent birds are considered gifts from the gods by the Native Americans. A multitude of legends appear in Native American culture regarding these effervescent, minuscule birds.

Male Tufted Coquette

A Pueblo legend tells of an enraged demon who after losing a bet with the sun, spewed lava and set the earth on fire.  

A hummingbird flew high into the clouds and brought back rain and saved all the living creatures and the earth itself. 

The bird dashed through a rainbow on its return to save Earth and the bright colorful arc became part of the hummingbird's feathers forever.

Mojave lore speaks of a time when people lived underground in darkness. The natives sent a hummingbird up to search for light. The hummer led them along a twisted path high above and into the sun lit world we reside in today. 

One Mayan legend says that the first two hummingbirds were created from the scraps of feathers leftover from the construction of all other birds. The god who made them was so pleased he had an elaborate wedding ceremony for them. 

Hummingbird Fairy by deviant Evelar

First butterflies marked out a room, then flower petals fell on the ground to make a carpet.  
Then spiders spun webs to make a bridal pathway.

And then the sun sent down brilliant rays of light, which caused the tiny groom to glow with dazzling reds and greens. 

Purple-Throsted Woodstar

When they hover, ever so briefly in the sunlight, hummingbirds do indeed, bring to the imagination images of rainbows, jewels and the realm of fairies. 

To attract hummingbird to a garden, plant one or more of these lovely blooms: Bee Balm, Butterfly Bush, Trumpet Vines, Fuchsia or Columbine. As hummingbirds feed from flowers, pollen falls on their beaks and heads and they carry it to the next flower they visit. A hungry hummer may pollinate between 1,000 to 3,000 flowers a day.

Late summer is the peak of the hummingbird season and is a magical time for watching the colorful birds. They visit feeders in swarms. They are preparing for the long journey to warmer climates. 

They must consume enormous amount of food, so keep those feeders stocked and…

Fairy and Hummingbirds by Jody Bergsma

“SPARKLE THE WORLD”

Happy Hummingbird Barrette by Kirks Folly 

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CONGRATULATIONS 

LANIE ALEXANDRIA COSTEAS 

 WINNER of our JULY 2014 Drawing!

Lanie, Please email us @236helenjane@gmail.com, 

so that we can get your beautiful Rosalie Mermaid Follydust Amulet Necklace to you.