By Ranger Gilbert Rodriguez 

When I walk through the park during this time of year, it feels like my senses are working overtime--the vibrant colors of the wildflowers, wind blowing through the sycamore leaves and all the birds chirping in the trees swirl all around. Woodpeckers cackle, crows caw, and red-shouldered hawks call out with their hoarse screams. As these sights and sounds blend, Sycamore Grove exudes a tranquil, serene atmosphere.  

But amongst the calmness there is a particular little fellow who could not be further from tranquil and serene: the hummingbird. These little birds are beautiful with their bright colors and shimmering feathers, but don't let that fool you. These little fighter jets are one of the most intense creatures in nature! On your next visit to Sycamore Grove Park, keep your ears open for a high-pitched chirping or squeaking in a rapid song, and you may find the tiny Anna’s Hummingbird--a year-round resident. 

Insert photo comparing male & female here 

 The males’ iridescent pink/fuchsia heads and throat are striking and hard to miss while the females are more subdued with their green heads and dull gray underparts.  

Hummingbirds are strictly solitary. In fact, they are known to be extremely territorial. Their survival depends on a high calorie nectar diet. Needing to consume roughly half their body weight in sugar, they are constantly battling over food sources like flower patches or backyard feeders. An interaction between two rival hummingbirds begins with a warning: usually a rapid fire of high-pitched squeaks/chirps and an intimidation display, showing off those iridescent throat feathers and trying to appear larger than they are. If this fails, a high-speed chase ensues. You can hear hummingbirds zipping and buzzing at speeds of up to almost 60 mph. Some of these exchanges even end in hummingbirds grappling in mid-air using their long bills and tiny claws to poke and scratch at one another.  

I can't help but respect the small but mighty hummingbird. With humble beginnings hatching from pea-size eggs, their intense high-octane behavior is a sight to see. This tiny creature lives their life seemingly at a hundred miles an hour. They constantly teeter on the edge of running out of fuel yet still find the energy to battle one another for survival.  

Listen for Hummingbirds in the Eucalyptus trees on the paved path at the Arroyo Entrance to Sycamore Grove Park. You can use the Merlin Bird Identification App to help distinguish each bird calls you hear.