25

Jan 2024

The Hummingbirds Gathering

It is a rare occurrence that the act of hummingbirds harvesting food together is a fascinating and intricate phenomenon that reflects not only their survival strategies but also their capacity for cooperative behavior.

Despite their often solitary nature, hummingbirds occasionally engage in communal feeding, presenting a spectacle that unveils the complexity of their social dynamics This watercolor painting video reflects that communal feeding can provide mutual benefits for hummingbirds. By sharing information about abundant food sources, they enhance their collective chances of survival and success.

The Bible often uses imagery related to birds to illustrate God’s care and protection.

In Matthew 6:26 (N I V), Jesus says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

I created the outline using Procreate and printed it on Fabriano watercolor paper about 50% opacity of my line art. I make sure the lines are so thin barely seen on the paper so I can still have a good pigment payout on the watercolor paper and still the paint pigment will be true on its original colors.

The flowers are not real but I base the shape and outline on peonies. The idea behind this project was what I saw in a documentary about hummingbirds.

The hummingbird, with its vibrant plumage and agile flight, has captivated the human imagination for centuries. Revered across cultures, this tiny bird holds a wealth of symbolism that transcends its diminutive size.

Across different cultures, the hummingbird is often seen as a symbol of joy, love, and beauty. In Native American traditions, it is considered a harbinger of good fortune, carrying positive messages from the spirit world.

In spiritual contexts, the hummingbird is often associated with attributes such as agility, adaptability, and resilience. Its ability to hover in mid-air, seemingly defying the laws of physics, is seen as a metaphor for finding balance in life.

The hummingbird’s vibrant colors and joyful demeanor symbolize the positive energy that accompanies new beginnings.

Its wings, beating in rapid succession, create a sense of anticipation and excitement.

In cultures that revere the hummingbird, its presence is often seen as a joyful omen, heralding the arrival of auspicious times and the potential for happiness in the journey ahead.

The hummingbirds harvesting food together unveils a dynamic interplay of competition, cooperation, and adaptation to environmental conditions.

The ability of these tiny birds to navigate social interactions for the sake of resource abundance highlights the complexity and flexibility of their behavior, challenging traditional perceptions of hummingbirds as solitary beings and offering a glimpse into the nuances of their social ecology. Behind this beautiful bird, they are vital pollinators, the hummingbird plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Its symbiotic relationship with flowers highlights the interconnectedness of all living things. The hummingbird’s affinity for nectar-rich flowers has led to its association with love and romance. In this way, the hummingbird becomes a symbol of the delicate harmony within the natural world, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity. While not specifically mentioning hummingbirds, this verse captures the essence of God’s providence, which some may extend to these tiny, seemingly delicate creatures.