Poetry and Physics in Motion

Whom among you don't like hummingbirds?   How can you not be enamored by arguably the greatest  flying aerial stunt artists of all time?

But did you know of the physiological hurdles this seemingly fragile creatures must overcome?  I ask this because instead of my usual viewing of 'the House-wives of Orange County', I wandered onto the Nature channel.  Instead of wondering how the house-wives of Orange County can actually live in the real world, (ah come on, I know you wonder too.) I was mesmerized by these marvels of the animal kingdom.

For instance, did you know that because of such a high metabolism, these creatures must eat up to half their weight in a single day.   Because of the sheer physics of this metabolism, you are probably wondering how are they able too not starve at night, right?   That is when it gets interesting.  These flying acrobats actually at night, slow their metabolism down to half of their normal metabolism.   This is a 'mini-hibernation' or a term known as torpor.

My appreciation for the sheer physics involved for these miracles of nature.  It goes to show you, it pays too get off the beaten track of 'reality' TV.

This blog entry is dedicated to my dad whom has fueled by his care and appreciation for these hummers has fueled my own interest.  Thanks, Dad.

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there, cheers,

Laura