Almira asked Michelle Kadarusman:

Where did you do your research on Hummers? I have a particular one who sits just waiting to "attack" any others who try to sip from one of three feeders. The Rufus population was down considerably last year.

Michelle Kadarusman Dear Almira,

Firstly, many thanks for your lovely review of The Theory of Hummingbirds! I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the story.

Growing up in Australia, I didn't have my first hummingbird sighting until I was an adult, living in Canada. A friend's cottage in southern Ontario was where I first saw these amazing creatures. I was transfixed! Catching sight of them felt like seeing something magical - and it still does. How lucky you are that you get to see them all year 'round.

I truly can't remember where I stumbled upon the first hummingbird fact that appears in the story, but to me it was the perfect way for Alba to introduce herself to the reader. We can understand why she feels a connection to these feisty little creatures. From there, I spent time researching on-line, also a book called 'Do Hummingbirds Hum?' by West and Butler was enormously helpful.

Hummingbirds are known to be quite aggressive and territorial - using their beaks as swords, so what you are witnessing, I believe, is normal behavior.

Wishing you well in your hummingbird observations. I'm very much looking forward to the warmer weather when I might see my first for the year.

Warmly,
Michelle

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