What to Do if You Accidentally Scared a Hummingbird Mom Away from Her Nest

If you inadvertently discovered a hummingbird nest and scared the mother away, take heart, the situation can be managed gently with some precautions. Patience is indeed key in this case.

Leave the Area

The primary action you should take is to retreat from the nest and its vicinity. Hummingbirds are highly sensitive to disturbance, and the mother may return if she senses the area is safe. By leaving the nest alone, you allow the hummingbird to feel more comfortable in regaining her territory.

Observe the Nest from a Distance

Even if the mother does not return immediately, you can still monitor the nest discreetly from a safe distance. Keep your watch for about 30 minutes to an hour. If the mother does not reappear, it’s time to consider further action rather than constant vigilance.

Check for Eggs or Chicks

Before you decide to take any action, check if the nest contains eggs or chicks. Hummingbirds often leave the nest briefly to gather food, especially if they sense a disturbance. Leave the nest undisturbed if it does, as the mother may return shortly.

Avoid Touching the Nest

Steer clear from touching the nest, even if you think it's necessary for inspection. Hummingbirds have a very strong sense of smell and may abandon the nest if it smells like a human.

Provide Shelter

If the nest is in an unsafe location, consider placing a protective barrier around it to deter predators. However, ensure that the barrier does not obstruct the mother hummingbird's access to the nest. A mesh or a similar lightweight barrier can often be effective.

Consult Local Wildlife Experts

If you’re deeply concerned about the nest’s condition and the mother’s return, consult with local wildlife rehabilitation centers or bird experts. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and ensure the best outcome for the hummingbirds.

Understanding the Mother’s Behavior

Hummingbirds’ protective instincts can be incredibly strong, but they are also masterful at finding what they need. Hormones and mothering instincts drive the hummingbird mom to care for her nest fiercely, but sometimes, a little disruption can cause her to step aside for a brief period.

If you are so determined to help, ensure you are not hovering around the nest, as your presence may be deterring the mother hummingbird. She is likely perched in a nearby tree, watching over her nest.

Also, check the number of eggs in the nest. Mother hummingbirds often lay eggs over several days. If you find only one egg, it is normal for her to be away for hours. This is because she will not start incubating until all the eggs are laid. She will lay every second or third day until the clutch is complete, at which point she will sit on the nest as much as possible.

If she has not laid the full clutch yet, she is likely out searching for food and necessary nutrients to continue her egg-laying process.

Key Takeaways:

Hummingbird moms have strong protective instincts, but function optimally with minimal disruptions. Leaving the area and observing from a distance without disturbing can encourage the hummingbird mom to return. Providing shelter and consulting experts can offer additional support if needed.

With patience and careful action, you can restore calm to the hummingbird nest and help ensure the well-being of the mother and her chicks.