Author Description

More than 320 species of hummingbirds inhabit North, Central, and South America. Seventeen species nest in the United States alone, and seven of those inhabit the Las Vegas area. But only one Black-chinned Hummingbird chose to nest on the back porch of Las Vegas residents Noriko and Don Carroll. When Noriko and Don Carroll moved from New York City to suburban Las Vegas, they found a tiny nest on a clothesline on their back porch. As the Carrolls settled into their new home, so did a female hummingbird they named Honey. For weeks, and years, the Carrolls watched in fascination as they witnessed an event few humans are privy to-the birth and growth of two hummingbirds. First Flight is the beautifully photographed story of Honey and her two chicks, Ray and Zen. In over 50 stunning, full-color close-ups, it captures the grace, the beauty, and the simultaneous strength and fragility of one of nature's tiniest birds. Professional photographer Don Carroll's images of his tiny housemates are woven throughout with Noriko's charming narrative describing the mother bird and her developing brood. Not just for bird enthusiasts, First Flight is a magical mix of hummingbird field guide, personal story, and new life taking flight. Readers will be captivated by the inherent drama as it unfolds in miniature, and they'll cheer as babies Ray and Zen make their own first flight s out into a bright new world. This revised book includes further quest for hummingbirds that Carrolls pursued, making movie of First Flight and revealing secrets of hummingbird's tongue.