Walking the Tightrope

Hummingbirds are supreme flyers with the ability of flying just about any way, including straight up and hovering upside down, but when on their feet they are about as graceful as a penguin.  They don't walk like most birds, but are capable of doing the sideways shuffle. Their wings are used nearly all the time including when they shuffle or move mere inches. There are many remarkable things to talk about when it comes to hummingbirds, but have you ever stopped to think about the countless number of wing beats they perform in a lifetime?  As the crow flies, they travel well over 3000 miles in migration. But that doesn't compare to the back and forth flight in and around our yards for hours in every day.  Now factor in that a hummingbird beats its wings at approximately 60 beats per second. I did some calculations, and that would mean the average hummingbird would flap its wings approximately ONE BILLION times within an average 6 year lifespan. Could you possibly imagine just how durable and powerful the muscles and tendons would have to be to perform this amazing feat. Miraculous! 
This young Ruby-throated hummingbird(Little Wallenda) is showing just how awkward it can be when trying to move on its feet. N.E. of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. August 2017.

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