Hummingbird Nest A Journal of Poems

O'Connell George, Kristine. Hummingbird Nest A Journal of Poems. 2004. New York: Harcourt Press.

This journal of poems provides a snapshot into the beatiful life of hummingbirds in California. Kristine O'Connell and her family were having breakfast outside on their patio one afternoon when suddenly a small bird started diving at their heads. They soon learned that a hummingbird was building a nest in their ficus tree. O'Connell decided to begin a journal depicting the events of the hummingbird. For the next eight weeks, her family marveled at the hummingbird's antics. They would leave small pieces of cotton and try to keep the patio as calm and welcoming for the birds as possible. Soon Anna, as she was later named, laid two beautiful eggs which became two healthy, beautiful fledglings. The family watched as Anna would bring food to them, and nervously watch as the birds began to try and fly on their own. One day, one of the birds had disappeared and not too much longer the other one took off on her own. Her family was so excited to be a part of this miracle, and were all sad to see it end. They often wondered later on that summer, if one of the hummingbirds at their feeders were "their" hummingbirds.

Each poem is titled and dated with the event for that day. The way in which the author writes the poem allows the reader to see the movements and thoughts of the hummingbirds. When discussing the size of the bird, the font is considerably smaller than the rest of the poem. As the birds are learning to fly the text is stretched out over several lines creating the feeling of falling out of the nest. The illustrations are small, yet very realistic. This collection of poetry tells the beautiful true story of the birthing of hummingbirds. It truly will turn any reader into a bird lover, yearning to experience the same as O'Connell.