In a private garden in Cuba, the world's tiniest bird flits around at an almost imperceptible speed, delighting tourists who visit this unique haven. The bee hummingbird, measuring only five to six centimeters, is native exclusively to Cuba. However, this delicate species has seen its numbers dwindle dramatically, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reporting significant losses due to widespread deforestation.
Located in Palpite, a village in southwest Cuba, the garden of 75-year-old Bernabe Hernandez has become a vital sanctuary for these tiny creatures. Hernandez, who relocated to Palpite after Hurricane Michelle ravaged his previous home in 2001, has transformed his garden into a paradise for the bee hummingbird, locally known as the "zunzuncito."
"The zunzuncito are mesmerizing," Hernandez told AFP. "We never tire of watching them, and we always discover something new." As he spoke, two bee hummingbirds hovered near a hanging water bath, their wings a near-invisible blur as they flitted about.
Hurricane Michelle caused severe damage, destroying crops and homes and leading to the disappearance of many of these hummingbirds from the region. According to local bird enthusiast Orestes Martinez, "The zunzuncito vanished because there were no flowers left; many of them died."
In response, Hernandez planted a "ponasi," a shrub known for attracting birds with its fruit. Unbeknownst to him, the shrub’s flowers were a favorite delicacy of the bee hummingbird. The birds soon flocked to his garden, which also features mango, guava, and avocado trees. "When I first saw a zunzuncito, I thought it was an insect," Hernandez recalled.
As Hernandez expanded his plantings, his garden became a buzzing hub for hummingbirds, including the Cuban Emerald, a larger species measuring up to 10 centimeters. Opened to tourists in 2003, the garden is now called "The House of the Hummingbirds."
Visitors are encouraged to use bird feeders, expertly prepared with a specific water and sugar mixture provided by guides from the nearby Cienaga de Zapata National Park. This park, renowned for its rich avian diversity with over 175 species, has played a crucial role in supporting Hernandez and his wife, Juana Matos, in their efforts to attract and care for the hummingbirds.
The garden has become a crucial sanctuary for the bee hummingbird, which is classified as "near-threatened" by the IUCN, with estimates of its population ranging from 22,000 to 60,000. For Martinez, the garden represents a vital refuge for the tiny birds, especially during the breeding season, when it provides essential resources for females feeding their chicks.
"This garden helps protect the bird," Martinez explained. "During the breeding season, the female can more easily gather food for her chicks."
As Hernandez and Matos continue their work, their garden stands as a testament to the importance of conservation efforts and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on preserving endangered species.
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