tkingfisher:

funnywildlife:

Gossamer Wings by William Dalton on Flickr.

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes

for love, joy and celebration. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover

and savor each moment as it passes; embrace all that life has to offer

and to celebrate the joy of every day. The hummingbird’s delicate

grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every

personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest
creation. –Papyrus

I…Ah…hmm.

Look, it’s a great photo. The photographer kicked butt. They should be very proud of this photo.

But hummingbirds are not carrying your hopes for joy around. I am sorry. Have you met hummingbirds? Hummingbirds believe strongly that they should be eighteen feet tall and have flamethrowers. They are a half ton of pugnacious wrapped up in a half ounce of feathers. Given the choice, hummingbirds would fly around with “Ride of the Valkyries” blasting out of tiny speakers on their wings, putting the eyes out of their enemies.

They do not fear humans, but if they learn that humans will provide feeders, they will become very demanding. They are fiercely territorial. They are…kind of jerks, actually.

Also, there are papers indicating that female hummingbirds engage in what can only be termed “nectar-based prostitution” where they trade sexual favors to males in return for access to particularly rich nectar sources. 

If your hopes for love involve nectar and your hopes for joy involve crushing your foes, seeing them driven before you, hearing the lamentations of their nestlings, etc, then possibly the hummingbird may carry them around, otherwise…uh…have you considered vultures? Vultures are very pleasant, affectionate, and social birds. You should probably give them your hopes and dreams. They would be better at it. 

Did I mention it’s a great photo?