There's something mystical about hummingbirds. They're like little flying jewels—fairy-like with the way they zip around, with that unmistakable sound that their wings make.
Whenever I illustrate a bird I haven't done before, I do lots of research to make sure I capture the bird's essence—each type of bird has its own personality. The hummingbirds, for example, have a certain "innocence" about them, in contrast with the rascally ravens.
As I was learning more about hummingbirds, I came across some pretty disturbing news: the very plants that we buy in big box store garden centers, even the ones labeled "Proven Winners Bee Friendly Plant" are likely contaminated with bee- and bird-killing neonicontinoid pesticides!!! If you have inadvertently purchased some of these plants, find your receipt and return them for a refund. It doesn't matter if you don't have the original containers.
As I was learning more about hummingbirds, I came across some pretty disturbing news: the very plants that we buy in big box store garden centers, even the ones labeled "Proven Winners Bee Friendly Plant" are likely contaminated with bee- and bird-killing neonicontinoid pesticides!!! If you have inadvertently purchased some of these plants, find your receipt and return them for a refund. It doesn't matter if you don't have the original containers.
Years ago, I remember seeing advertisements for "organic flowers." I remember giggling to myself, thinking that it was silly if we're not eating the flowers to bother having them be organic. I was sadly mistaken. Anytime something in the ecosystem is singled out, it effects ALL things. Without the pollinators, we starve.
We are all connected...down to the little hummingbirds and Bumble bees.
