First Flight: A Mother Hummingbird's Story and Beyond Hardcover – October 4, 2016

1/17/14I was looking for books with general info on humminbirds when I come across this book. I have a family that have chose my feeder to be their # 1 source. Knowing nothing of these darling creatures, I was reading reviews and this book First Flight started popping up, I think mainly because I was drawn to the fact that this species actually will stay together for a long time, as my Mother with her 2 Children that live in my backyard.Theres is nothing about the book you will not enjoy, from the beautifully written words of the author to the interesting ways this author's husband finds to capture the most awsome photographs. And I must say, the photography is first class. As his wife writes the story of the baby egg discovery following through with an intimate description of the hatching and first days of life of the precious babies. Noriko Carrol describes the babies Mother's passion for attending to her young, and on to heartfully telling of the young hummer's plight to flap thier wings and take to the air. I can't say enough good things of this true story. I think I could see it all through just her written words, but to have the actual pictures as the story unfolds takes the birth experience to a different level.I did not learn statistics as I was looking for. but this is better because I know what I experience with my little hummer family, is truly a way of life for other hummingbirds that try to keep their families together.

This exquisite book is about loving and caring for what one loves. The Carroll's masterpiece springs from their love for Honey the Hummingbird as they daily devote themselves to watching her from her return from wintering in Mexico, the laying of two eggs in a nest on a clothesline which she had previously built and inhabited, the birth of her babies, which the Carrolls named Ray and Zen, and her nurturing of them until and after their fledgling flights.Everything about this book is done with devotion and great care. The text, written by Noriko Carroll, is a perfect accompaniment to what seems to me genius level photographs taken by Don Carroll. There are special lighting effects as a background to many of the photographs, and Mr. Carroll explains in an afterword called "Photographics Notes" that a mirror reflecting parts of his flower garden was used to create these stunning effects. I plan to order another copy of this book, take it to a framer and request that several of the photographs be removed and framed, to be hung on a wall of my home.The description on the inside of the book jacket cover is even unique. It is not the standard patois one usually reads. It is done with great care, depth and intelligence. It is the finest of its kind I have ever read.You will learn a great deal about hummingbirds, and if you have a backyard feeder, you will find out the proper and best way to maintain it. You will become more aware of the hummingbirds in your yard and in your life. And, unless you have a heart of stone, you will end up loving them, if you do not do so already.I heartily thank the Carrolls for their magnificent undertaking of introducing us to the life and ways of this wonderful bird and her offspring. It is their artistic skills, their intact sense of wonder and awe (which so many tend to lose in adulthood), and their capacity to love which has brought this book to us. Quite a gift!

High quality paper. Rare photos. Well written. Our little humming bird finally left her/his nest and we were so sad. This book sits on my coffee table, so I can remember the 6 wonderful weeks of watching the nest to being built, 1 egg laid, watching the little one outside of my kitchen window grow and grow and the nurturing from it's mother. It even continued for 2 weeks after it left it's little nest. It was so remarkable. A wonderful gift from nature.

I already have this book and as a hummingbird lover have enjoyed reading it many times. The one I just ordered was for a birthday gift to another hummingbird admirer. She was very delighted with it.

This is a wonderful little book. The photographs were awesome - like nothing I've seen before.It was really good to know that these people (the new owners) who moved into the house cared and did not disturb the nest so that the little hummer could continue to make her nest where she always had before. I found it very moving. It's nice to know that there are people like that out there!

This is just a stunning book. It is much larger/longer than I expected.I take hummingbird photos too, and once in a while get a good shot. But I am not a professional, like the authors here.This book is just fantastic. One of those rare books that lift you up, and can do so over and over.This is a "one of a kind" book. I urge all nature lovers to get it. You won't be disappointed! Thank you to the Carrolls for a wonderful, touching, beautiful job.I'd give 10+ stars for this one if that option were available here.

While starting my own hummingbird observances this summer, this book gave me a wonderful education into a part of hummingbird natural history that can't be viewed by most folks without significant use of technology and luck! They say that hummingbirds are charmers, and this book entirely charmed me! A beautifully photographed and written treatise on one of Nature's most incredible creations! Children and adults alike will love this little book!

A beautiful and highly detailed look at the beginnings of life for a pair of young hummingbirds, with high-def photography capturing key moments in perfect clarity. While some of the text anthropomorphizes the birds a bit much, it does add depth and dimension to the story, which also includes great information about the birds. The second section that covers the intimate photography of the hummingbirds' tongues feels less complete but offers some technical insights into the process as well. A great book for hummingbird lovers!

Beautiful accompaniment to the dvd. My son loved the documentary and I decided to purchase the book as a surprise. He loves the book and it is a delight to read.

実際にハミングバードを自分の目でみたことがある人には最高の本です。洗濯ばさみの横に作られた巣の小ささと雛の小ささに感動します。ただ単に成長の過程をとっているのではなくて、日々のエピソードが入っているのでいろんな方向から楽しめる本だと思います。お母さんの愛情と頑張りが元気をくれます。写真もとっても素敵です。(自分でカメラをかまえて撮ろうとしてもハミングバードはとても早いのでかなり難しく、我慢するのが大変だったので、すごいなぁと思いました)

So cute!