PDF Fastest Things on Wings: Rescuing Hummingbirds in Hollywood by Terry Masear in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I'm Buzzing About This Book!By Essay HellI read an excerpt from this wonderful gem of a book that Audubon shared on their Facebook page a couple weeks ago (who knew feeding hummingbirds tiny ants would kill them?). I was instantly hooked; not only by the poignant story of a bird rescue; but by the skill the author told it. I'm a picky (sometimes lazy) reader; but this narrative had everything I love in a good read: lots of interesting anecdotes from real-life; fascinating facts and information woven into the storyline and an astute; compassionate and insightful author.I couldn't wait to send a copy to my mother-in-law in New Hampshire who's going through a rough time; and I'm confident it will lift her spirits. I keep thinking of all the friends and family members who I know will love this book; and can't wait to tell them about it. (If you know anyone who maintains a feeder; this would be a perfect gift for any occasion!)If nothing else; this book helps us understand why it's so important to tune into the nature around us; even those of us who live in dense; urban communities. When we start to look and listen closer to these truly amazing creatures; we not only get to enjoy their beauty and antics; but learn about our own connection with the natural world---and why it's so important to find ways to sustain and nurture it.I salute Terry Masear's efforts and feel lucky she also had the writing chops to chronicle them in such an entertaining and meaningful way.For me; the true test of a great book is my excitement about telling others about it. And this is one of those reads.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Zen and the Art of Wildlife RehabilitationBy Bruce McClintonRehabilitating wildlife requires an extraordinary combination of knowledge; skill and dedication. One must have deep knowledge of the physiology of your patient but also the ability to intuit the needs of a creature incapable of human speech. You must be a counselor to the damaged psyche not only of your patient; but frequently to the humans who bring him to you - and often to yourself. Because rehabbing is not just a hobby or a career; it’s an obsession. And the line between obsession and madness can be very thin.No knows this better than Terry Masear. Her book chronicles her life as a Hummingbird Rehabber in Los Angeles. Over the course of one insane summer she handles thousands of emergency calls; accepts one hundred and sixty orphaned birds and learns more about them; her fellow Angelinos and herself than she thought possible.With a deep philosophical perspective Terry relates stories that will touch your heart and make you laugh out loud – often at the same time. You will find inspiration in the story of Gabriel; a parking attendant at a Beverly Hills restaurant who sees a bird collide with a limo and races out into traffic on Rodeo Drive to save it. Traveling halfway across LA by bus he delivers the dinner napkin swaddled patient to Terry. Although seeming expired; her loving care brings the Anna’s Hummingbird back to health.And then there’s Stan. “When it comes to saving Hummingbirds; sometimes crazy isn’t enough. Some people; like Stan; break rank and elevate the perils of rescue to impossibly dangerous heights.” Take two unpredictable orphan Hummingbirds; one inconveniently long branch and one very hostile Rottweiler. Dose liberally with crying twin girls; an angry wife and terminal guilt and you have a formula for slapstick unmatched since Jerry Lewis graced the big screen.Through all the sacrifice; the joys and the despair Terry finds inspiration from these little bundles of feathered dynamite. “… Hummingbirds are the poster children for primal innocence; both theirs and ours. They symbolize the beauty of pristine nature before human civilization came tromping into paradise with its rough; heavy boots and mucked everything up. And despite our ongoing interference; these fearless spirits continue living alongside us; serving as a reminder of what once was; and what can be.”0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Flying JewelsBy djbittleAs an ardent birdwatcher; I found this book to be very informative and compelling. Bird rehabbers are to be respected for their extreme dedication to the creatures in their care. Having a rehabber who writes exceptionally well kept me riveted on her story over several days. This book is a treasure trove of education on the lives of hummers and the things people can do to help them survive. I highly recommend this book to birders and folks who love the natural world.I love all birds; but adore hummingbirds! I rescued one that hit my cabin window in Costa Rica where I was enjoying a birding adventure. I was fortunate to be staying at a lodge in the mountains where a famous hummingbird researcher just happened to be mist netting and studying them. I scooped her from the dirt and ran to the lodge with her in my hand. He took her and examined her; declared her OK; took measurements; fed her some nectar; and released her. I took a photo of her in my hand that is one of my favorites.I live in Southern New Jersey and feed several Ruby-throated summer to fall with native plantings and nectar feeders. I have taken great delight in watching them and can see just how different their personalities are. In fact; as I was writing this; the female who never alights stopped by to visit the feeder and the scarlet honeysuckle!