Anna's hummingbird, Santa Cruz, California
© yhelfman/Getty Images
National Hummingbird Day - Humming along
On the first Saturday in September, National Hummingbird Day celebrates these tiny, agile birds and their role as pollinators in our ecosystem. Hummingbirds are known for their incredible speed; they can flap their wings up to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover and fly backward. Their high metabolism requires them to eat constantly, so they spend their days flitting from flower to flower, sipping nectar and catching insects. These birds can remember which flowers they've visited and how long they will take to refill with nectar.
Let's meet the Anna's hummingbird, seen in today's image. Named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, it's one of an estimated 366 hummingbird species, and it's among the most common hummingbirds on North America's west coast. With its shimmering emerald feathers and sparkling rose-pink throat, this little bird is a sight to behold. So, today, let's spread our wings of awareness and protect these birds—one garden at a time.