A little jewel of a book ... While wildlife rehabilitators usually don't name their charges, Montgomery explains how she convinced Brenda to make an exception in the case of these two hummers. She reveals why they were named Maya and Zuni, and how a number of cultures view these tiny warrior birds who fight desperately and fiercely to protect their own. We learn not only about their physical properties, but also about their personalities as they must find their way in a world that can be frightening for a pair of youngsters who don't have a mother to teach and protect them. When Maya and Zuni are set free, we find ourselves truly caring about their fate. We want them to survive and be strong. Hummingbirds, as it turns out, are easy to love.
A fine way to spend an hour or so this spring ... It's all quite fascinating and takes about as long to read as a good nap. While readers will cheer for the two babies as they overcome various obstacles on their way to rejoining nature, Montgomery sees in the process of caring for them a parable of sorts.
The author of The Soul of the Octopus returns with the story of the miraculous recovery of two abandoned baby hummingbirds ... With her characteristic compassion, Montgomery shows the patience and skill with which Sherburn nursed her charges back to health. She also discusses the extreme measures other rehabbers have taken to ensure the recovery of injured and orphaned hummingbirds ... Regarding the reason for writing this book, Montgomery explains that witnessing the recovery of these tiny creatures was a cherished gift ... A small gem full of hope, determination, and wonder.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay[/caption]
