If you’re a parent, you know what it’s like when you find just the right spot for your little one—no matter what anyone else thinks. That’s exactly what happened here at CuriOdyssey last month, when a particularly headstrong Anna’s hummingbird decided that a vestibule by our animal holding facility was the perfect place to start her family.

It wasn’t exactly what we had in mind for a nursery. We tried gently encouraging her to move her half-built nest just a few feet away to a safer spot—but this mama wasn’t budging. So, we did what all good neighbors (and parents) do: we compromised. We gave her the space she needed, even hanging up privacy sheets so she—and eventually her babies—wouldn’t be startled every time we had to step inside.

Despite the unusual setup, it was an absolute delight to watch the whole process unfold. From the moment the eggs hatched on March 13, the two tiny chicks—barely bigger than jelly beans—grew quickly under their mother’s watchful eye. By April 5, they had transformed into nearly full-sized juveniles and took their first flights out into the world.

Moments like these remind us how magical nature can be, even in the most unexpected places. We’re thrilled to share this special photo series with you, capturing their journey from hatchlings to fledglings. We hope it brings a little wonder to your day—just like it did to ours.

Photos by Kendra Jabin