Rare Footage of Baby Hummingbird's SURPRISE After Fledge

We’re following “Sapphire” our mother Allen’s hummingbird and her baby that our community named "Jade". Jade was all alone in the nest because unfortunately the second egg didn't hatch. Let's see what's been going on for the past two weeks. Jade was getting bigger and prepared her wings for the big day.

On the 25th day, Jade was already bold enough to test her wings on the edge of the nest.

Then on the 26th day, she visited the Christmas lights near the nest. Usually hummingbirds have fledged at this age but probably Jade was more timid because she was alone in the nest.
But finally, after gathering enough strength while observing the world that awaited her from the wire, she left the nest behind.

Sapphire checked the nest with the unhatched egg and we were anticipating that she would lay more eggs.

We wish you the best Jade... what?! Jade what are you doing here? You fledged! We have never seen a fledged chick going back and forth to the nest before. Jade spent all afternoon in the nest, Sapphire was feeding her regularly then just before dark she left.

The next morning, our 27 day old Jade came back to the nest followed by her mother. Sapphire fed Jade, and again expressed her displeasure that Jade was still in the nest.

Well, Jade spent the day in the nest and out on the wire. Even though Sapphire kept feeding her regularly, she was tolerating her chick less and less. Then just before dark Jade left and spent the night outside.

On the morning of the 28th day, the wind gently rustled the abandoned nest, and guess what happened: Jade came back. She became an expert on flying through the protective netting. Jade learned a little more each time she ventured out.

Sapphire took care of Jade for the past three weeks, but she probably thought it was time to work on the nest and focus on her second clutch. This explains her occasionally aggressive maternal instincts.
Jade finally realized that it was time to leave the nest and be out in the world for good.

🧾 Frequently Asked Questions

We made a video about all the frequently asked questions about hummingbird nests, you can watch it here:    • Hummingbird Nest Ultimate Beginner's Guide  

❓What species of hummingbird is this?
This is an Allen's Hummingbird which normally breeds on the West coast of the United States and Mexico, although the bird has been spotted in other areas of the southern United States.

❓When did the mother hummingbird laid her eggs?
The first egg was laid on January 26th. The second egg was laid on January 29th.

❓How long do hummingbirds incubate their eggs?
Hummingbirds incubate the eggs for 15 to 18 days.

❓How many clutches do hummingbirds have?
Hummingbirds in Southern California usually have two to three clutches each season.

❓When do baby hummingbirds open their eyes?
It usually takes more than a week for a baby’s eyes to open. On average, a newborn’s eyes are open 9 days after he has hatched.

❓What is the nest made from?
The nest is made from grasses and small twigs filled in with soft and fluffy fiber that the mother hummingbird finds on fuzzy plants like seed pods, dandelion down, cottonwood and the like. The nest is held together with spider silk and is soft and spongy to accommodate the rapidly increasing size of the baby birds. To camouflage the nest she put paint chips on the outside to try to blend in with the house.

❓How can I help with the nest building?
You can supply soft material for the mother hummingbird to use in her nest. You can buy nesting material for your hummingbird here: https://amzn.to/3OxY3do

❓What camera are you using for this live stream?
Here is the link to our camera: https://amzn.to/3alaoh8


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