Discovery

I've been seeking refuge from the heat on the patio on the west side of the house.  Obviously that only works in the mornings but it's shady and there's been a light breeze, wonderful for reading.  The last few days, however, there has been this annoying high-pitched screeching coming from somewhere near the patio.  It was grating on my subconscious like tiny fingers on a chalkboard so finally today I decided to follow the sound and find the culprit.  It led me right to the big orange tree where I looked up and discovered a wee baby hummingbird flitting around.  He looked to be about as big as the end of my thumb.  The screeching stopped when he discovered he was being observed.  I ran for my camera and stood there for quite a while with my neck craned and eyes strained but dang it, he was silent as a mouse and not going to give his whereabouts away.  His mama and papa zipped nervously around and I realized why they had been so aggressive towards all the other hummers at the feeder - they weren't just being greedy about the feeder.  I imagine it won't be long until he is out of the nest since he flitted quite well.  Then I'll climb the tree and see if I can't find the nest.  I know they are protected but I'd just like to have a peek at it and take a picture.  Only when the tenants move out, of course...

Until that time you'll just have to imagine the tiny bit of fluff with his abbreviated little beak.  Don't you wonder how his parents feed him?

He's up there somewhere: