Meet the jewels of the sky

Birdy lessons and activities for the whole family. | Trouble viewing this e-mail? Try our [web version](. [National Audubon Society]( Nestling Edition | February 2023 [A Ruby-throated Hummingbird illustration.]( [What’s the Buzz on Hummingbirds?]( Hummingbirds are undoubtedly birds, but they kind of behave like insects. Like bees or butterflies, they fly from one bloom to another searching for nectar, a sweet liquid made by some flowers. Feeding from delicate blossoms is made easier thanks to their acrobatic style of flying. The unique shape of their wings allows hummingbirds to hover in mid-air as well as fly backwards, side to side, straight up and down, and even upside-down! Learn more about these “feathered bees” in this month’s lesson: [Hooray for Hummingbirds]( | [Disponible en español]( [Anna's Hummingbird.]( [Got 15 Minutes to Count Birds?]( Every February, birdwatchers from around the world take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). In as little as 15 minutes, you can help expand our understanding of birds and track population changes that inform our work. Plus, if you live in southern climes, you may even be able to count hummingbirds! From beginning birdwatchers to experts, anyone anywhere can take part in the GBBC. Want to join? [Learn more]( Anna's Hummingbird. [Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.]( [DIY Delight: Hummingbird Nectar]( Hummingbirds need to eat a lot to satisfy their speedy metabolisms and hefty appetites. While store-bought nectar may look tempting, the added red dye is unnecessary and potentially harmful to birds. Luckily, this hummingbird sweet treat can be made right at home with two simple pantry staples. [Time to DIY]( Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. [Sapphire-vented Puffleg.]( [Some Hummingbirds are Fashionistas]( For these hummingbirds, flared pants are always in season. Unlike most of their kind, these hummers are feathered from head to toe. Got a passion for fashion? Meet and learn more about the "puffleg” birds of the Latin American tropics. [Nice pants!]( Sapphire-vented Puffleg. [A coloring activity with an Allen's Hummingbird.]( [Give This Hummingbird Its True Colors]( Hummingbirds stand out wherever they go with their vibrant, shimmering plumage. Help this Allen's Hummingbird find its true colors, or design a special hummingbird of your own with this digital coloring sheet. [Color away]( [Ruby-throated Hummingbird.]( [It’s National Bird-Feeding Month!]( Every spring, hummingbirds migrate north looking for nourishment from our gardens and feeders. Flowers, perches, insects, and water are the key ingredients to a healthy yard that will attract these amazing jewels. This National Bird-Feeding Month, get a head start on making a bird-friendly garden by treating your feathered friends to a backyard buffet. [Explore our most popular feeders]( Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Illustration: Alex Tomlinson/Audubon. Photos from top: Nate Gowan/Great Backyard Bird Count; Mike Fernandez/Audubon; Martin Mecnarowski/Adobe Stock; Bill Gordon/Great Backyard Bird Count CONNECT WITH US [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [DONATE]( [ADVOCATE]( [GET TEXT UPDATES]( National Audubon Society 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA [(844) 428-3826](#) | [audubon.org]( © 2023 National Audubon Society, Inc. [Update your email address or unsubscribe](