He created a hummingbird paradise in his backyard

Window salesman Eric Pittman's life changed forever the day he noticed a Anna's hummingbird buzzing around his backyard in Esquimalt, B.C. in the summer of 2009.

After a flurry of sharp turns caught his eye, the bird came to rest on the branch of a pear tree. It looked around to check for danger and met Pittman's gaze, yet she seemed unbothered by his presence. Pittman looked closer. Then, two pea-sized black orbs began bobbing up and down. It was a pair of newborn hummingbird chicks. He'd discovered Sweetie Bird (as he later named her) returning to her nest to feed her babies. Overcome with curiosity, Pittman stayed under the tree for the rest of the day, binoculars stuck to his face. He bought a video camera and began filming the bird in his backyard. He hasn't stopped in fourteen years.

Today, Pittman is a citizen scientist and hummingbird expert. But he didn't formally study ornithology, or even any biology. His skill at capturing footage of hummingbird behaviour has earned him 50,000 followers on his "Hummingbirds Up Close" Facebook page, where he shares daily updates. The BBC Natural History Unit has even turned to Pittman as a subject matter expert when they’ve needed to film elusive hummingbirds.

The short documentary The Bird in my Backyard follows Eric throughout the spring of 2024 as he documents two mother hummingbirds raising their chicks. It’s a story about the childlike curiosity in all of us, and the doors it can open if we just lean in a bit closer.

- Filmed and Directed by Ryan Wilkes.

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[samanthajacobs]

Not only is the footage of the hummingbirds enticing …. Eric is a pleasure to listen to. Hearing his love for these birds is peaceful and gentle. Thank you Eric. ❤

[angelafoxmusic]

Thanks Eric. The world is a better place because of you. 😊

[LS-lqpc]

Eric Pittman: "The best part of being alive is enjoying the beautiful things around you".

[Gretchen-vhxt]

You could be a National Geographic photographer. This is so wonderful ! Thank you.

[limitlessends]

Somebody give this man an honorary Phd for his contributions to science. Would watch a whole documentary just on that birds with a broken leg.

[sheilacrabtree]

This was awesome! I've been a hummingbird enthusiast for 25 years. They are the friendliest little boogers. I step out my back door and say " hey little babies" and they start chattering and flying around. They will come right up to me. 12 to 15 at times in my yard. Love them and thank you for caring also

[HummingbirdsofMyBalcony]

Great work! I had an Anna’s nest in March 2024 and only one egg hatched. So funny that my good friend named him Solo also😀 I was able to capture him grow up and become a juvenile.
Thank you for this beautiful movie. ❤

[erkkipiipari]

Those little nests are truly works of art and engineering at its peak. Keep up the good work Eric.

[maquedaanita]

I live in Argentina and have seen the long rubi tailed hummingbirds for many years at the hillsides of Cordoba province. They are so beautiful. Every time I spot them it feels like it is a blessing. Thank you for taking your time to do this, I loved the way in which you introduce each one. God bless you for sharing.

[brucesannino]

I recently retired and moved to Costa Rica. The first thing I did after I found a house was to set up a bird feeding platform, (cats you know) and a humming bird feeder. Every, every, every morning I sit on my porch, drink coffee, eat a bowl of fruit and watch the birds, especially the hummers. I hope to get the little guys to eat out of my hand. So far no joy on the hand feeding but I persist. I think the problem is that I brought my twenty-three pound Manx cat with me when I moved here and I think that makes the birds reluctant to socialize. Often as many as fifteen different species visit the feeder every morning. They're all a pleasure to feed and to watch and the hummers are a joy.

Thank you and best regards Sir.

[susanlitster]

ABSOLUTELY one of the most pleasurable experiences I have had on

[scallywags]

I love hummingbirds. The mighty warriors and survivors of the skies. So grateful for Eric do his own research on these amazing jewels.

[robertwhiteash]

I have a heated hummingbird feeder, they really love drinking the warm nectar I make. Your a great person. 🕊️

[pillbertdidit]

Just one year ago David Attenborough got 2.4 million views, Yours at 1.2million in just 2 months.I'd say your on a pathway to having your own TV series. Thank you for all the time you spent caring for these awesome beautiful hummingbirds. Very entertaining, peaceful, and very joyful watching your clips. All the way from Modesto California thank you very much and peace and joy to you and your flying friends.

[vernonbernardino]

I can't say nearly enough but I'm totally awestruck by your work, skills and care for these hummingbirds

[cathyphegley]

I like the phrase “citizen scientist”. He truly is serving to enlighten us on the lives of these amazing creatures. God’s world can be so beautiful.🦋

[sabinegold]

Honestly, I did not know that hummingbirds live in a cold climate and don’t migrate to a warmer place. Here in Utah they arrive at the end of March and leave at the end of September. Thank you for this beautiful video.

[chuckromero-bs]

I have been feeding humming birds for about 20 years now i can have as many as 60 to a hundred birds feeding at once i can hold my feeders and they will drink while I'm holding them i so look forward to spring when they start arriving some summers i can go through 250 pounds of sugar. Such a pleasure taking care of these tiny creatures.

[alexanderphd]

Beautiful video. Here in the desert southwest, we have hummingbirds all summer, before they head into Mexico for the winter. I’ve watched them from egg to flight. And they always come back. You helped me appreciate them more. I’ll put out more feeders and put in more flowering plants.

[gamtngirl]

This touched me to the core of my being. It brings tears to my eyes.