Apparently they pass through there during their migrations. I just found a post about it.
Hummingbirds don't live year round in the chicago area - you only see them when they're migrating - usually starting around mid april in the spring, and only lasting a few weeks, and then again around late September...the fall migration lasts longer than the spring one, for some reason.
During the summer/fall, I see them nearly every day - I have a few feeders hanging from trees in the same general spot in my yard, near some bright red monarda, which they love. Once they come to your yard and are "rewarded" for it, they remember every year where the good feeding spots were, and come back. They are amazing, beautiful, wonderful creatures. Posted by: Debra | May 29, 2007 10:06:21 AM
Believe it or not. My sister says there are hummingbirds in Chicago. Personally, I think she is seeing things.
They actually migrate long distances and here we have bird watchers who set up feeders, knowing when to watch for them. I saw one hovering and drinking from a flower in my yard several years back.
It's amazing how small and varied in colors they are. And that baby "boid" of yours, James? Wow, it's really tiny.
I hope it survives. I'm just spit balling here but it may not be getting the necessary immune system boosters from sugar water as it may from parents who lovingly puke in the kids' gaping mouths.
If you can locate the nest you can return it. Contrary to myth birds don't smell humans on their handled young. In fact very few birds (buzzards and other janitorial critters) can smell at all.
I once peeked into a nest on my 2nd floor porch (built slightly above eye level) and I spooked a baby sparrow into gliding about 30 yds into the neighbor's backyard. I put it back in the nest and it grew to maturity, went to college and made something of itself.