Bay Area readers and others recount stories of animal connections
Recently I answered a question from a man who had a close encounter with a hummingbird and wondered if the bird had been thanking him for filling an empty feeder. I asked readers to tell me about their experiences. Here are some of the responses.
DEAR JOAN: When my feeders would run out, I’d open my curtains in the morning, and a hummingbird would fly up to my front window and look at me. It was like he was telling me the feeder is empty, fill it. I had six hummingbirds on my front porch one time.
Loretta Johnson, Antioch
DEAR JOAN: I was just reading your article on whether or not birds and animals show gratitude. I don’t believe all show any type of friendship, trust or gratitude, but I do believe some do acquire trust toward their human family.
A year and a half ago, my son pulled a close-to-newborn bunny from our pool and did a little CPR. We thought the little baby was gone but it soon got up and ran off.
We have rabbits in our yard several times each day. They all run the second we open the door to go outside except this guy who is now approximately 1½ years old. He sits in the yard and isn’t afraid at all. He stays while our whole family is outside, even if we get within just a couple of feet of him.
Obviously it’s wild and would run if threatened, but I really believe he trusts us. If not, I will still think that’s what it is because I am very fond of him.
Patricia Moe, Phoenix, Arizona
DEAR JOAN: Over the years I have had many encounters with hummingbirds, as they get in my garage and can’t get out. I gently catch them and release them outside. They buzz me later.
Once I found one lying on the floor close to death. I hand-fed it, and it revived and then perched in a tree just above me. At present, I have one around that that buzzes in front of my face when the feeder is empty. Make your own conclusion.
Ralph Shemanski, Wautoma, Wisconsin
DEAR JOAN: I put out bird seed for all the birds. When it is low, the chickadees come and land on my back step railing and look for me. I actually had one land on the handle of the screen door and tap its beak on the window.
After I fill up the dish, I will sit outside, and they land back on the railing and “dee-dee-dee” at me. They are not the only things that come up and thank me. Chipmunks and squirrels come up the steps while I sit there, cracking seeds and staring at me. I got a crabapple once from one of the chipmunks. Nice trade.
L.M. Johnson, Quamba, Minnesota
DEAR JOAN: I, too, have had that experience with my hummers! When I feed the jays peanuts and bird seed, the hummers hover and look straight at me like saying “Don’t forget about us.”
I love hummingbirds! I just got into them during COVID. I had no idea how beautiful and smart they are.
Z. Farris, Kelso, Washington
DEAR JOAN: I, too, have a hummingbird feeder and when it is low, the hummingbird that sits in the tree guarding the feeder will fly in my face and hover, looking at me and then the feeder.
Lately, nature itself has expressed its gratitude through my garden. I feel the love come back to me when I care for nature.
Stacg, Winnetka
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Use this form to submit questions. Photos should be mailed separately to jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.