I’m flying out tomorrow morning on a research expedition, so these are the last baby hummingbird pictures I'll post until I get back from my trip.

I know it sounds trite to say, "My, haven't they grown!" But the truth is, they seem to have filled out (and filled the nest) overnight. And look at those iridescent green feathers! 

Shh, don’t tell them I said this, but I’m thinking they’re a little behind the growth curve for baby hummers their age. Still, for the first time since they hatched sixteen days ago, you can almost picture what they'll look like when they're full-grown.

 
My husband promised he'll take pictures while I'm away. I hope he gets some good shots; if so, I’ll share them when I get back.* Since they'll most likely be full-fledged fledglings by the 22nd day, I imagine they'll be taking flight lessons in a few days. As the expert from the Hummingbird Rescue Society suggested,** I’ve put a soft blanket at the base of the tree to cushion potential falls. It's the least I can do, because, as britlitfantwin says, "they’re a flight risk right now."

See you on Thursday. If something exciting and/or important happens in the meantime, please leave me a note…You know I’m always hungry for good news!

*If you're on my f-list and you want a digital copy of a hummingbird photo, just drop me an email with a description and the date I originally posted it. 

**By the way, the expert thinks they’re part of the Costa’s Hummingbird species.