Hummingbirds Are Cooler Than Me

Article featured in the 2021 Fall/Winter Texas Forever Magazine
PHOTOS BY: Yuhang Alan Zhou, TLC member

Every fall, nearly 1 billion birds pass through Texas during their fall migration. As this year’s migration reaches its peak, it has been especially exciting to see an influx of hummingbirds as they dart between flowers, rapidly beat their tiny wings, and dazzle us with their beautiful colors. Every time I catch one in my front yard, drinking from the flowers in our Desert Willow, I am captivated by their very existence, while also a little impressed with myself that I caught sight before it fluttered off to its next destination.

Recently, a birder friend of mine casually mentioned that he got a new lens for his camera and had snapped a few pictures of hummingbirds. When he showed me the photos, taken just miles from my own home, I was blown away. I am so grateful that he agreed to let me share them with you.

After seeing the incredible detail of these tiny birds, I realized that I wanted to know more. So along with these incredible photos, here are some fun facts I found to help us all appreciate just how special these little pollinators are. And just how much cooler they are than me.

Hummingbirds can remember feeder locations years later and remember which flowers they’ve visited.
I misplace my water cup daily.

Most hummingbirds beat their wings 60 to 80 times per second.
I have had automatic lights turn off while sitting at my desk in my office… because I didn’t move enough to trigger the sensor.

Hummingbirds can rotate their wings 180 degrees, which enables backward flight and stationary hovering.
I can’t fly at all.

Hummingbirds can perch on branches and scoot sideways but cannot walk.
Finally, my time to shine! I walk, like, almost every day!

Final tally: Hummingbirds 3, Maren 1.