Now that spring is officially here (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere), many birders are eagerly washing out their hummingbird feeders and brewing batches of nectar in sweet anticipation of the return of the hummingbirds. While I’m fortunate to have these birds at my feeders year-round, I’m also eager to see if more arrive and my tiny flock of tiny birds may grow. Of course, it will take many years to grow as large as our video for this week’s Wednesday Smile, but who wouldn’t be smiling madly with a fabulous flock like this?

This is a charming video indeed, especially since a flock of hummingbirds is called a charm, as well as a glittering, shimmer, hover and a variety of other fun terms. I especially love how the video shows not only these amazing birds in all their feeding frenzy, but if you look closely you’ll note the ant moats to keep insects away from the feeding ports, the beautiful flowers that attract hummingbirds and the water fountain hummers love. What a hummingbird-friendly yard, and one we can all aspire to create – and when we do, the whole week will be filled with smiles!

Hummingbird Flock – Photo by Clayton Shonkwiler