Hannah Hummer selected the perfect nest site and built a beautiful home of spider web and bottlebrush flowers. She laid two eggs that hatched within two weeks and then the journey began. Hourly feeding, constant care, nest sitting and drama. Hannah was NOT a good housekeeper but she seemed to be a very attentive mother. Eventually the babies (Heidi and Hilda) grew so large Hannah no longer stayed in the nest. She only returned for feedings and surveillance. Flight lessons began on day 20 and on day 21 Heidi was chosen to be the first to leave the nest. After a bit of coaxing and some final instruction, Heidi took off and flew into the olive tree in my front yard. Hilda remained in the nest for another full day. She was a slow learner. Hannah had difficulty getting Hilda to pay attention during flying lessons but she was persistent and eventually Hilda got the message. On day 22, Hilda fluttered around the nest for five minutes while Hannah watched from a nearby branch. As Hilda gained her confidence Hannah hovered over the nest until Hilda took off and they both flew into the olive tree. Hannah returned a short time later as if to check for forgotten sox and say a final goodbye to the Hummer homestead. The family is gone now but the nest still remains. It too will be gone when the landscapers trim that bush. Then perhaps another hummingbird will build a new nest and the process will start again.