Hummingbird returns every year to see Grovetown man who nursed him back to health

Friday, April 19, 2019

News 12 at 6 o'clock/NBC at 7

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- A Grovetown man nursed a hummingbird back to health four years ago. That hummingbird migrates south every year, but around Masters time, he always finds his way back.

It's a story that proves friends come in all shapes and sizes.

If you're looking to cross someone, Mike Cardenaz is not the guy. But, this muscle car driving, tattooed, former SWAT officer has a softer side.

Right now, he's helping an injured chipmunk get back on his feet.

“That's what people call me, Dr. Doolittle,” said Cardenaz.

The flowers on his front porch attract hummingbirds. Four years ago, Mike found one that needed help.

“Several of his feathers in his wings were broken off and he couldn't take flight,” said Cardenaz.

He named him Buzz and nursed him back to health with Pedialyte, sugar, and a safe place to heal.

“I had to wait until he molted, and regrew new wings. That was 8 weeks. And he became a part of the family,” said Cardenaz.

Eventually, Buzz regained his strength

“He would fly around the yard and come back when he got exhausted because that was his comfort zone until he finally took off for the winter. And he's been coming back for the last four years,” said Cardenaz.

From Grovetown to South America and back to Mike's back yard.

But, how does Mike know it’s the same hummingbird?

“Random hummingbirds don't land in your hand,” said Cardenaz.

This year, Buzz caused some concern. He was about a week or two later than normal.

“I was kind of worried about him and I was on the front porch, sweeping off the front porch and I felt something zoom around my head. I stood on the front porch, put my hand out, and he landed on my hand,” said Cardenaz.

Back for year four to prove an act of kindness really does go a long way.