Marcia Lee Hartnell
"Hummingbirds - Nature’s Joy
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| (Photos by Patrick Fraser) |
The hummingbird spirit animal is symbolized as joy, playfulness and enjoyment of life.
It is a tiny creature with amazing natural abilities, defying gravity as it flies backwards and hovers; achieving astounding speed as it swoops up and down; and flies long distances to its winter habitat. Many varieties are found around the Americas but only the ruby throated hummingbird is common east of the Rocky Mountains.
My affinity to the hummingbird developed as I watched them in Northern Michigan frequenting my feeders. The male arrives in early May returning from his southern migration to establish territory. Many feeders are available so he usually defends only one of them, while other hummingbirds play and feed in the same area. They provide untold hours of entertainment as they go about their daily activities.
Hummingbirds don’t seem bothered by other birds or humans. They are not timid and hover around as feeders are replenished, almost landing on human shoulders. The humming sound is prominent as one passes the pine trees near the feeders.
Prior to their September migration south, they bulk up preparing for thelong journey. Males depart first and the females and young follow. Migration is a solo enterprise. They do not travel in flocks as do many other birds. I miss them when they leave for the winter.
This presentation is two quilts. The back quilt has traditional hummingbird and paper pieced quilt blocks. The front quilt has a Nuno felted silk background that is quilted and embellished with needle felted hummingbirds, felt flowers and vines.