This hummingbird feather is no bigger than a sunflower seed. I had to use my macro lens to capture the detail (click on photo). Some say that hummingbird feathers are magical. Maybe they’re right because it certainly seems like magic that I have this tiniest, most precious feather.
One day while living in Virginia, I was sitting on my front porch–as I often did. I fed the birds and the hummingbirds regularly, and I loved to watch them all. On this particular day, the hummingbirds were swarming. They were getting bulked up for their trip south and then across the Gulf of Mexico. This meant that they were sparring frequently in order to build their strength. As I sat watching, two hummingbirds began to duke it out fiercely. Suddenly they collided, and when they did, one of them released the tiniest feather I have ever seen (seriously…no bigger than a sunflower seed!). I could only see it because the bright, shining sun caught the colors and illuminated it for me. It floated for the longest time in the sunlight, and as it did, I jumped from my chair, ran into the yard, and followed the feather as best I could. I knew it was unlikely to catch such a tiny thing, but I was going to try. And thanks to the sun, and a bit of hummingbird magic, I did catch it. To this day I treasure this most precious feather, and feel honored that it found its way to me.
Some say the hummingbird is a symbol of accomplishing that which seems impossible and a symbol of tireless joy. Yes, that resonates with me, and I am reminded of William Blake’s poem, Auguries of Innocence:
To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.
I have held infinity in the palm of my hand, in the form of a hummingbird feather, and I am deeply grateful.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
My favorite bird! I have had many a feeder and hummingbird friend (“Romeo”, my hummingbird in Angels Camp, CA, let me know I could live at the rental home (which he guarded fiercely) as long as I kept the feeder full. He sang his little heart out to me every day. and oh, what a watch bird he was! He always let me know someone was coming to the door, buzzing around them like a security scanner. I never thought to look for a feather, but when I move back to California I am going to find one and put it in a locket. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful treasure & poem.
One of my dreams a time ago was to have a retreat centre. One day I went to look at property it would have been buying into an existing situation. As I walked the near perfect property I came across a dead hummingbird in one of the cabins. I knew hummingbirds to be a symbol of Joy and I was confused to find it dead. I took 3 little precious feathers. I put a deposit down as a share in the property and went into high gear to move a workshops we were already planning to this location. It involved building outhouses and moving beds in and much more. After the week long retreat I was relaxing with a few people and the existing owner on this little natural island that was my favourite part of the property and he began to muse about the hot tubs he would put in for the Japanese tourists. In that moment I realized I hadn’t stopped long enough in my enthusiasm and excitement to compare our Visions.
I began the process of pulling out which was painful yet necessary. To this day I look at those 3 precious feathers atop the sage in a little wooden box that I keep them in and remember that lesson.
Utter magic. Thank you!
(Oh my goodness – there’s a preview button today! Thanks for that also, Carla.)
I LOVE this post. Thanks for sharing the teeny tiny hummingbird feather. Thanks for treasuring the tiny brilliance. This is the precise feeling I was trying to evoke when naming my blog “scintillating speck.”
We had a whole slew of hummingbird visitors last spring and I felt so blessed by each visit. They were enamoured of the bee balm I had planted. I was so delighted that they accepted the flower invitations.
I’m so excited to have found your blog. I’m sleeping and stuffy, but it’s a beautiful day and after reading your story about the feather you’ve sparked the fire so I’m off to grab my camera and see what I capture today.
Plus I need to get some bird seed!
Looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvee this
on vision quest in NM Gila wilds… praying mantis came to visit at my morning feet. as we regarded one another, hummingbird buzzed behind me to bless a prayer tie. sat a moment by my head then ventured close to see if my poncho was sweet… which surprised the both of us! i am always grateful for these gifts, guidance, reflections of ~ thru ~ for spirit…
Kendal, I love your hummingbird story. Isn’t is remarkable and wonderful? So grateful for these experiences. I hope you are all well!
Kimberly, I hope you got some great photos and that you are feeling better. The photos on your website are beautiful. I LOVE that shot of the Buck. What a handsome fellow! Thanks for stopping by.