Hummingbird Rescue in Hollywood

A Hollywood hummingbird rehabber's heartwarming account of the trials and triumphs she encounters while caring for her tiny, fragile patients is the focus of this personal narrative. Before colliding with a limousine, Gabriel, an Anna's hummingbird with a head and throat cloaked in iridescent magenta feathers, could spiral 130 feet in the air, dive 60 miles per hour in a courtship display, hover, and fly backward. However, when he arrived in rehab caked in road grime, he was so badly injured that he could barely perch. Nonetheless, Terry Masear, one of the busiest hummingbird rehabbers in the country, was determined to save this damaged bird, who seemed oddly familiar.

During the four months that Terry worked with Gabriel, she took in 160 hummingbirds, from a miniature nestling rescued by a bulldog and a fledgling trapped inside a skydiving wind tunnel at Universal CityWalk, to Pepper, a female Anna's injured on a film set. In their time together, Pepper and Gabriel formed a special bond, and, with Terry's help, they learned to fly again. Woven around Gabriel's and Pepper's stories are those of other colorful birds, all of which contribute to this personal narrative filled with the science and magic surrounding these fascinating creatures.

The science behind hummingbird rehabilitation is both delicate and complex. Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, weighing no more than a nickel, and their high-speed metabolism requires a constant intake of nectar or sugar water to survive. Injured or orphaned hummingbirds need round-the-clock care, with feedings every 15 to 20 minutes, to have a chance at returning to the wild. Terry's dedication to these tiny patients is evident in the level of detail she provides about their individual needs and the joy she experiences when they take flight once more.

Beyond the science, the magic of hummingbirds is palpable throughout the narrative. These birds are often referred to as "feathered jewels" due to their vibrant, iridescent plumage, which changes color depending on the angle of the light. Their rapid wing beats, which can reach up to 80 per second, create a distinctive hum that is the source of their name. The author's vivid descriptions and Terry's personal accounts of her interactions with these fascinating creatures transport the reader into the world of hummingbird rehabilitation, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wonder of these tiny, resilient birds.

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