"The hummingbird is a messenger of joy. Its presence reminds us to find happiness in the smallest things and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us."
This past week, the hummingbirds returned.
That soft, unmistakable hum in the air…
the quick flash of movement just outside the window…
and suddenly, the season shifts.
Out came the feeders.
One now hangs just outside our kitchen window, where we can watch from inside or out on the deck. The other has returned to its usual place at the front of the house, greeting us from the living room. Within hours, we had visitors — the familiar presence of the Rufous, followed closely by the tiny Calliope.
The Rufous always announces himself first, his distinct zipper-like sound heard before he’s ever seen. The Calliope, smaller and just as spirited, catches the light with flashes of iridescent magenta at his throat. Each year, their arrival feels like a quiet celebration.
And with them… came the pull to head to the greenhouse.
I returned home with deep red petunias for one basket and several fuchsias for another — small invitations for these delicate visitors to linger a little longer. It’s a simple ritual, but one that deepens the joy of the season.
🌷 A Garden Awakening
Here in the Creston Valley, spring is fully unfolding.
Tulips and daffodils are in bloom, shrubs are heavy with buds, and leaves are slowly unfurling in that soft, luminous green that only early May brings. The early morning is filled with birdsong again — a chorus of chatter that feels both familiar and full of promise.
There’s a sense of anticipation in the air…
as though everything is gently waking up.
Even the maple seedlings seem to agree — popping up enthusiastically throughout the garden, much to our amusement (and ongoing efforts to keep up with them).
🎨 In the Studio: Wings Among the Phlox
Inspired by these recent visits, I’ve just listed on my website a pair of hummingbird paintings on fine watercolor paper.
Phlox and Feathers (female broadtail)
Wings Among the Phlox (male broadtail)
These 5x7 pieces allowed me to explore a softer, more ethereal background — something that felt just right for capturing the delicacy of these tiny birds as they hover among rose-lilac phlox blooms.
Working on paper brings a lightness I’ve been enjoying lately — a more refined, airy quality that suits the subject beautifully.
Each piece is matted and ready for framing, making them a lovely addition to your home or a thoughtful gift for a fellow bird lover.
💖 Available in the shop
$135 each or $260 for the pair
✨ A Few Fascinating Things About Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds may be the smallest birds in the world, but their presence is anything but small.
They can hover in place, fly backwards, and move with astonishing speed and precision — a constant source of wonder right outside our windows.
Over the past few seasons, we’ve also welcomed visits from Anna’s, Broad-tailed, and Black-chinned hummingbirds. Planting flowers they love has made a noticeable difference in how often they return.
If you’re hoping to attract them, a few favorites include:
- Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ (a true standout)
- Bee Balm
- Cardinal Flower
- Phlox
- Fuchsias
- Salvia
- Petunias
🌿 A Touch of Folklore
Across many cultures, hummingbirds are seen as symbols of joy, love, and resilience.
In Indigenous traditions of the Americas, they are often viewed as messengers — carrying energy between worlds, bringing lightness, healing, and even rain. Their ability to move in all directions, even backwards, is sometimes said to remind us that love has the power to shift and transform our path.
Whether you believe the stories or simply enjoy their presence, it’s hard not to feel a little uplifted when one appears nearby.
🌸 Looking Ahead
Lately, I’ve also been experimenting with a few new hummingbird sketches — small studies exploring movement, shape, and colour as I begin thinking about future pieces.
And as I was reading more about hummingbirds, I stumbled across something that may become the next Garden Journal post…
“Birds that bring good luck.”
(It’s a fun list — and yes, hummingbirds are on it.)
The sun is shining this morning,
the air feels softer,
and May is just beginning to unfold.
I’m looking forward to a quiet afternoon outside — a cup of something warm, a comfortable chair, and perhaps a hummingbird or two passing through.
✨ A Little Invitation
If you’d like to bring a touch of this season into your home, you can explore the hummingbird paintings in the shop or join my email list for a free art gift and updates from the studio.
JOIN MY LIST 👉 (Sign up form below) 🌿
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