A Close Call While Gardening
I was trimming the hedge, daydreaming about lunch, when I nearly clipped the tiniest nest I’ve ever seen. It looked like a delicate cup made of cobwebs, about the size of a golf ball. Inside, two pristine white eggs, no bigger than jelly beans. I froze.
Turns out, I almost disturbed something precious and legally protected: hummingbird eggs.
What Are These Tiny Eggs and Nests?
If you spot a nest smaller than your thumbnail, woven from dandelion fluff, spider silk, and plant fibers, hanging on a tree branch, bush, or even string lights, you may have found a hummingbird nest. These nests are about the size of a walnut shell—tiny “fairy cottages” of the bird world.
Inside, you’ll usually find two eggs—never more. These jelly-bean-sized eggs hatch into some of the most fascinating birds on Earth.
Federal Protection for Hummingbirds
Here’s the critical part: hummingbirds and their nests are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This law makes it illegal to disturb, move, or remove hummingbird eggs or nests. Violators risk heavy fines or worse.
The law protects the bird, the nest, and the active nesting site. So, when you see one, leave it alone until the chicks have fledged and the nest is abandoned.
What To Do If You Find a Hummingbird Nest
Stop yard work immediately. Even small vibrations can shake eggs or scare off the mother.
Give the nest space. Keep curious kids and pets away gently. Hummingbird moms are tiny but fiercely protective.
Observe from a distance. Use binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching. You’ll be amazed how fast the chicks grow—from eggs to backyard racers in just three weeks.
Be patient. Most hummingbirds nest from late spring to early summer. Only resume gardening once the nest is empty.
Spread Awareness
Many people don’t realize how tiny and fragile these nests are. That’s why posts about hummingbird nests often go viral each spring. Share this info, especially with neighbors who prune.
Why Hummingbirds Need Our Protection
Hummingbirds flap their wings about 80 times per second and migrate hundreds to thousands of miles fueled by nectar and insects. Incredible, right?
But these birds face threats like habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Every nest and chick counts. Protecting their nesting sites helps preserve their future.
Signs You Have Hummingbirds Nearby
You see a small bird zipping near flowers or feeders.
You hear fast, buzzing chirps close to your ear.
You spot tiny cup-shaped nests on branches, wires, or hanging plants.
Remember, female hummingbirds build the nests alone. After laying eggs, she incubates them for about two weeks, then cares for the chicks another 2–3 weeks until they can fly.
How You Can Help Hummingbirds Thrive
Hang and regularly clean hummingbird feeders. Avoid moldy sugar water.
Plant native flowers that bloom in stages to ensure steady food.
Avoid pesticides, even organic ones—they can harm hummingbirds.
Offer safe nesting materials like fibrous cotton or bird-safe nesting balls.
Educate friends and family, especially during pruning season.
Little Homes, Big Responsibility
Discovering a hummingbird nest in your yard is a true honor. It means your garden offers a safe haven for one of nature’s smallest and most delicate birds.
So if you see those tiny eggs nestled in a silk-and-moss cup, pause. Step back. Smile. Let the miracle unfold in peace.
Watching those babies take flight is far more rewarding than any perfectly trimmed hedge.
