HUMMINGBIRDS

 

            

𝗛𝗶𝗺-𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 🌎

Our Fraser Valley Public Library (Maple Ridge) has a wonderful selection of free educational presentations for one and all to enjoy. Recently I attended the session called “Hummingbirds of the World” hosted by renowned birdist Carol Matthews of the Vancouver Avian Research Centre. 

Carol is a passionate advocate for birds. She has travelled the world to find the rarest of species, studied, surveyed, researched and shared her findings, and led the way in helping us better understand, respect and honour their importance on this Earth.

I went to this session knowing next to nothing about the hummingbird, and came out of it feeling enlightened. They only live in the Americas and Caribbean. There are over 350 species but only four are known to be around some parts of British Columbia. They each have their plotted territory. They have very small legs that are so far back on their bodies that they can only perch or sit, not stand. Their hearts beat at 1200 a minute and the wings flap 130 times a second! They can fly 13,000 miles without stopping. Their lifespan is one to two years — mainly due to human and environmental obstacles. 🌎 

If you would like to know more about the work the Vancouver Avian Research Centre is doing, their roles and objectives, and how you can help them, check out their website at https://www.birdvancouver.com .