At times, animals and humans can seem vastly different, exhibiting completely different characteristics in comparable scenarios. Yet, in other moments, animals seem to act just like humans, showing emotion and portraying gratitude. A striking example of the similarity between animals and humans came out of Georgia in the spring of 2019. A hummingbird, appearing to show friendship and thanks to the man who saved his life, has been annually returning to the front porch of Mike Cardenaz. The bird is now considered a member of the Cardenaz family.

Buzz’s Story

The bird, named Buzz by Cardenaz, is a ruby-throated hummingbird. In the summer of 2015, Buzz was found outside Cardenaz’s home with an injured wing. “Several of his feathers in his wings were broken off and he couldn’t take flight,” said Cardenaz. (1) Using Pedialyte and sugar water, Cardenaz helped Buzz heal and regrow his wing feathers over eight weeks. Slowly, Buzz regained his flying confidence and was able to migrate south with his fellow hummingbirds for the winter months.

Having helped other hummingbirds in the past, Cardenaz figured this would be the last he would see of Buzz. (1) To his surprise though, Buzz returned to his home the next spring, and then the spring after that, and soon after he became a regular visitor to the Cardenaz home. Mike Cardenaz knows Buzz is around when he comes and lands directly in his hand, making his characteristic ‘buzzing’ noise. (2)

Caring For A Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are one of the smallest species of birds in the world. As such, they can become easily injured from seemingly insignificant items in their environment. Flying into an object, like a spiderweb, experiencing cold temperatures, and becoming trapped in a confined space can all be life-threatening events for hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds are so delicate that they tend not to survive any type of trauma or disease (especially if help is delayed). If a hummingbird you are helping dies, try not to take it personally. Stories of birds like Buzz are rare, and effective rescue efforts are especially difficult to provide to tiny hummingbirds.

Overall, the rescue and delivery of first aid to a hummingbird should be delivered by a trained animal rehabilitator. If not available, consider leaving the bird to the care of mother nature. Experts warn that because hummingbirds are so fragile, humans can and often do accidentally injure the birds further. (3)

The Rescues Continue

Fortunately for all animals, Cardenaz has not just stopped at helping Buzz, and continues to take in any furry creature that comes his way. Most recently, he took in an injured chipmunk, and has earned himself the nickname ‘Dr. Dolittle’ around Grovetown, Ga. Cardenaz may not look like an animal lover, a former SWAT officer who is tattooed and drives a muscle car, but he obviously has a softer side. (4)

If you’re considering helping an animal near your home, like Cardenaz, touch base with local wildlife authorities and experts. Certainly, animals deserve our help and can make for unique friends, but proceed with caution to ensure the safety of the animal and yourself.