A couple of nights ago I had a Late-Night Visitor,
It started with a sound I rarely hear after dark – the **distinctive hum of hummingbirds**.
* **The Intruder:** Returning from a late-night dog walk, I was met by a tiny female hummingbird, fluttering around the dining room light. She must have found her way in when the door was open, perhaps seeking refuge from the **unusually strong, windy night.**
* **My Immediate Priority: Reducing Stress.**
* First, I secured my dog in the bedroom.
* Knowing hummingbirds enter "torpor" at night, I understood the need for a calm environment.
* Past encounters had taught me their strong attraction to bright lights – a dangerous draw for an exhausted bird.
* **Creating a Safe Haven:**
* I turned off most of the lights, aiming to keep her in one spot until morning.
* Releasing her into the darkness and wind seemed like a recipe for disaster.
* **The Lifesaving Nectar:**
* I quickly retrieved a hummingbird feeder from the porch, recognizing the critical need for hydration (dehydration can be fatal for these tiny creatures!).
* Hanging it near her light source, she **instantly landed and began to drink.**
* **A Night of Rest:**
* After a few minutes, she moved to the kitchen cabinets. I turned off all remaining lights and placed the feeder nearby.
* I covered any glowing indicators (oven, microwave, alarm clock) and dimmed the porch light that could be seen from my kitchen window.
* **Morning's Peaceful Departure:**
* Around 5 am before the sun came up I woke to movement in the kitchen, I found her at the kitchen window. I kept the lights off, discreetly moving the feeder to near to where she was perched.
* When I came back an hour later she was happily hydrating on the nectar I put out for her.
* I went outside and removed the window screen and she **successfully flew out into the morning!**
I was incredibly relieved she was unharmed and made it through the night in my home and was able to fly off in the morning.