Henrietta Hummingbird

Henrietta Hummingbird

Henrietta Hummingbird, our latest outdoor “pet,” flew into our garage on a warm Saturday afternoon in August.

She was gracious enough to hover close and make eye contact while I took a picture, before darting back outside. The next day, as we sipped coffee on the back deck, a loud humming sound above us broke the quiet.

“Look! That little bird is back. It’s like she’s checking us out!” I showed my wife the picture on my phone. “It’s the same hummingbird I told you about yesterday!” She fluttered above our heads momentarily, then darted away.

Before long, she worked her way into our hearts, and we realized she wasn’t just passing through. Choosing our backyard as her home, she was family, perched in our tree, chirping, hovering at the window every day, and offering moments of joy.

Henrietta Hummingbird, Henry’s Mom

Tiny as she was, Henrietta carried herself with a confidence far beyond her size. She often hovered near us fearlessly, chirping as though she had urgent news to share.

Realizing she was here to stay, we established a routine of replenishing her feeder with fresh nectar every couple of days. A month or so later, the new mom introduced us to her first set of two newborn baby chicks.

Usually, a couple of weeks after she had babies, she would leave with her chicks and reappear a few days later. After researching the ways of the hummingbird, I presumed she left the area to train them in survival. So, for several years, we made sure she always returned to fresh nectar.

Over the years, she raised at least four sets of two chicks, always bringing them to meet us. Her constant hovering and peeking in the window, acting like a detective, inspired us to write a children’s book.

When Henrietta Disappeared

Then, three weeks before we published our children’s book created in her honor, Henrietta disappeared. This time, she did not return, and the backyard fun faded.

Her absence left a noticeable quiet in the yard, and although the book’s impending release should have been a celebration, it felt strangely empty without her. We were probably in a state of mourning, missing her brave little presence.

Somewhat depressed, we missed our little friend and dealt with the sadness. At the same time, the excitement of our new book finally being in print eased the pain.

About two weeks after the book came out, I opened the blinds, preparing to go outside and remove the nectar feeder and any evidence of Henrietta.

As I opened the sliding glass door to the patio, a faint movement caught my eye. Two smaller hummingbirds were at the feeder, paying me no attention.

When I stepped onto the deck, one of the tiny titans hovered briefly and looked directly at me, then went back to drinking the sweet nectar, as if I did not exist.

Henrietta’s Spirit

That bird had the markings of a baby chick Henrietta introduced to us, which I had named Nuisance. Same coloring; same attitude. The relief and joy I felt filled the space left vacant by our friend.

It has been a year since our friend left, and this month, for the first time since she left, we have a family of four at the feeder. I like to think they are descendants of our Henrietta, a sweet reminder that life always finds its way.

Her bright spirit and bold personality still linger, and inspired Henry the Hummingbird Detective, a tribute to how the smallest outdoor companion can have a significant effect on our hearts.

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C. K. & Kat DeLeon

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