Hummer

I don't have a strong memory of animals in my childhood neighborhood, but every rental out here seems to come with coyotes, rattlesnakes, squirrels, the occasional bobcat, and, at this house, quail and hummingbirds.

This unfortunate nest just outside our front door had a premonition of misfortune about it - why there? - as the palm frond sank and people scuttled back and forth past.

 Still, two babies were born and we rejoiced, until the mother flew into our house and eventually died, along with one of the babies who prematurely left its nest soon after.The third guy we fed with sugar water with an eyedropper and decided to take it to the California Wildlife Center down Malibu Canyon.A really great experience and resource, inhabited with baby deer, animals of all kinds.  Apparently, a local favorite among the Malibu fundraiser crowd who have, I suppose, taken over their natural territory.

Jack wanted to keep it as a pet, giving another reason for homeownership.  I cradled "Hummer" all the way to the center, hearing a week later he was doing fine.