Hummingbirds are among the most magnificent birds that exist. They are very little compared to other birds (around 3 to 5 inches in length). They have very colorful plumage and can regularly be seen looking for nectar in flowers and some fruits. They flap their wings at incredible speeds (from 12-80 flaps per second, depending on the size), and like helicopters, can stop and hold their position without losing any altitude. They are also fast for their size, being able to reach speeds of over 36 mph.
People love them so much, that they sometimes get hummingbird feeders. These feeders are brightly-colored to resemble flowers, and people sometimes add some nectar, or even sugary water (bad idea). They used to fear humans but now feel at ease looking for food between houses and plants.
What exactly makes these little animals so special? They were believed to be tokens of good luck in many civilizations. For instance, people in ancient Greece used to say that if you were to run across a hummingbird one day, this would mean that good fortune was about to strike in your favor. This could be anything from getting an inheritance, to receiving a letter from someone you had lost contact with. It was also believed that they were bearers of wisdom, so running across one of them would bring you better decision-making capabilities.
While many people have tried to keep these tiny fliers as pets, this feat has not proven to be an easy one. Because of their size, they tend to be very difficult to spot. Their plumage also blends in with the surroundings, so just by standing still, they can fool your eye easily. If you get to spot one, catching it will be another issue. Remember that top 36 mph speed? That’s a challenge, so no matter if you’re Usain Bolt, you will probably not catch them.
Some bird enthusiasts have rigged their hummingbird feeders with motion-sensing cameras to get a glimpse of them when they come down to feed. These nature aficionados have been able to capture spectacular footage and along with super slow-motion cameras, have given us a glimpse of the incredible mechanics that take place with each flap of their wings.
The person in the following video did just that. He is a little more than lucky if you ask me. If I told you he was able to capture 1,2, or 3 hummingbirds at the same time, you would say he’s lucky, right? What if I told you he managed to capture footage of 6,7 or 8 at the same time? Impressive right? Now, try 30!
