Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Caftans for a Cause…

….or just because. The Trend that began in the 60’s has transcended time.

With Maja at an Exhibition Dedication and Reception at **Melissa Morgan Fine Art Sculpture Garden** for Karen + Tony Barone’s new “**Gilded Godiva**” Sculpture on El Paseo Our silk caftans are from **California Caftan**s. Website below.

I still need an excuse to wear a caftan out in public. Before coming to Palm Springs I viewed them only as chic bathing suit cover-ups. And some of them are. But they’re so much more… not exactly a dress, or a shirt, or a nightgown…just a longer piece of fabric more resembling a tunic or robe that I always thought looked elegant – on the right person. Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren looked so regal wearing one…especially while lounging on a yacht on the Italian Riviera with a cocktail in hand. They’re perfect for poolside in Palm Springs while sipping champagne.

History:
The caftan (or Kaftan) originated in ancient Mesopotamia, an area that encompasses parts of modern day Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey. For many centuries, caftans were the traditional mode of dress in Turkey, where men and women (kings and beggars alike) considered it an appropriate clothing choice. I bought one in Cairo. Fabrics range from lightweight textiles for the summer months to richer velvets and brocades. Traditionally made with silk or cotton, caftans are frequently adorned with colorful patterns, and many individuals wear them with a coordinating belt or sash.

During Modernism Week I attended an event to benefit Animals in need at The Caliente Tropics hotel. We were asked to show up wearing a caftan and to donate an unopened bag of dog food for “Animal Samaritans.” Caftan/Jewelry/Accessory vendors were set up in the lobby of the hotel. I brought Layla & Adele.

Some of the “Mrs. Ropers” ~~it’s a thing~~ showed up wearing wigs and caftans. Most people ended up congregating to “Sancho’s” Mexican restaurant in the hotel with two DJ’s playing loud music, but we ended up at the much quieter little “Reef” Tiki Bar with a view of the beautiful pool area. I ordered the Palm Springs Punch which was deliciously refreshing and as pretty as any caftan.

A bit about Caftans…

Caftans were never my thing. That’s probably because I grew up in cold-wintered Montreal and later moved to Vancouver where no one (I repeat; no one) wears one. Even in Palm Springs where they’re the norm for many, I resisted wearing one for years. But I could resist no longer after a friend opened up her home for a caftan sale and I could finally see what the fuss was all about. They’re comfortable, silky luxurious and the perfect cover-up for the pool, the spa or to meet a friend for lunch. Plus they’re not all floor length which tend to swallow up those of us who are not very tall. They come in various lengths. I prefer the knee-length variety but I also like the long flowy silk tops – to be worn with straight leg pants or a skirt. They’re so easy to throw on after a shower!

More about Caftans:

Legend has it that Diana Vreeland once pegged the caftan as “fashionable for the beautiful people.” Bazaar magazine wrote that the voluminous shape and heavily printed nature might render it unappealing, but it’s often plunging neckline and side slit detail lend just the right wink.

Done right, a loose-fitting cotton tunic can look enviously chic.

No one loves a caftan more than celebrity stylist/designer/editor Rachel Zoe. This silhouette is one of her all-time favorite things to wear as soon as the temperature goes above 60 degrees. She said “To me, caftans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, meaning you can wear it from the beach to a barbeque to a cocktail party to a black tie event. Caftans are timeless and I never leave home without a few when I’m traveling because you never know where you’re going to end up and need a caftan!”

How do you accessorize?

**California Caftans**; https://sherijohnson.com

Jewelry should not compete with any other embellishment on your outfit especially if you’ve got tassels or beading going on. Keep it simple. And if you’re at the beach, your swimsuit should be accessory enough. No belt required.

Shoes? If it’s long or floor-length you can wear an open-toe heel and shorter styles can go with flats or sandals. I suggest going barefoot for either.

KELLY WEARS A CAFTAN:

Check out this PROMO of PALM SPRINGS with Kelly Ripa from the ABC morning talk show Live! with Kelly and Mark. They were filming in Rancho Mirage and opened the show with this clip about the place I now call my winter home.

Remember; if you receive this post via e-mail to click on the title (at the very top) which will bring you to the full page website which will better display the photos + links.

Photos: d. king

Art + Design

Modernism Home Show

This is THE BEST MODERNIST DESIGN EVENT during Modernism Week!

Modernism Week’s signature Home Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center took place February 14 – 17, 2025, highlighting art, furniture, interior design, jewelry and vintage culture. It always starts off with a cocktail party on opening night which ensures lots of people watching. If you missed it, there’s always next year. The preview party ticket includes a hosted open bar and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, show catalog, valet parking, and return entry all weekend. Plus you get first dibs on everything! Here are some pics from last weekend. Starting with the outside of the Convention Center because of its beauty:

**Crouching Tiger** (*no hidden dragon*) in Bronze by **Steve Tyree** – American Born – 1943. Funding provided by Palm Springs Public Arts Cummission, 1996.

On Sunday there was also a CLASSIC CAR SHOW from noon-3:00 pm. A few pics:

All weekend long there was also several new displays outside the Convention Center of the latest innovation of Airstream Models.

Photos: d king

More about the show:

https://www.palmspringsmodernism.com/

Art & Culture

Modern Legend – Lawrence Schiller

THIS IS ONE COOL DUDE. You may not know him, but his photos are legendary.

During the transformative 1960s, Lawrence Schiller captured the nation’s political and cultural front lines: whenever a headline-making event occurred, he was there.

At The Modernism Home Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center this past weekend we saw a lot of eye candy every which way we looked. Including an original art piece of …. candy. However wonderful all the latest furniture, knick knacks, art and jewelry were (photos to follow), my highlight was meeting a man whose work I’ve admired throughout the years. None other than renowned photographer, Lawrence Schiller. And what a pleasure it was.

Meeting him brought up a memory of when I was a teenager living at home and my brother at the time was very Marilyn Monroe obsessed. I forgot that I had gifted Brad Schiller’s book “Marilyn & Me” and there before my eyes was the very book, along with his new book entitled “Lawrence Schiller Photographs.” Such a déjà vu. Can you imagine the stories this man has?

“I knew Marilyn over a two-year period. I met her first on a movie called ‘Let’s Make Love.’ I photographed her at that time on and off through the time of her death. I was 22 years old and she was 34 or 35.” Schiller is 88 years old now.

“You’re already famous, now you’re going to make me famous,” photographer Lawrence Schiller said to Marilyn Monroe as they discussed the photos he was about to shoot of her. “Don’t be so cocky,” Marilyn replied, “photographers can be easily replaced.” She was wrong!

From Marilyn Monroe in the nude to Muhammad Ali in the boxing ring, Schiller’s work features legendary moments, including Paul Newman and Robert Redford playing ping-pong, and a haunting image of Lee Harvey Oswald after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He documents the powerful advocacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, alongside the private world of LSD experimentation.

Tippi Hendren + Alfred Hitchcodk by Lawrence Schiller.

“MARILYN & ME” is– an intimate story of a legend before her fall and a young photographer on his way up.

The year was 1962, and Schiller, 25, was on assignment for Paris Match magazine. He already knew Marilyn—they had met on the set of Let’s Make Love—but nothing could have prepared him for the day she appeared nude in the motion picture Something’s Got to Give. Schiller’s extraordinary photographs and vibrant storytelling take us back to that time with tact, humor, and compassion. With more than 100 images, including rare outtakes from the set of Marilyn’s last film, the result is a real and unexpected portrait that captures the star in the midst of her final months.

Photos: d. king (of Schiller’s photos; obviously).

https://lawrenceschiller.com/

Modernism Week is on until February 23rd. For tickets to events please visit:

https://modernismweek.com/

Art & Culture

Modernism Week: The West House

Palm Springs is the center of the World-Renowned Celebration of Midcentury Architecture, Design and Culture. Happy 20th Anniversary!

Beautiful grounds surround this property.

I was lucky enough to be granted a tour of The West House which used to be the desert hideaway for the original Batman; Adam West. Having always been a batman fan, I was so looking forward to this. I used to love the series as a kid and later the movies and all the campy characters.

This dynamic residence, located in the cherished Old Las Palmas neighborhood, was built in 1954 and has since been reimagined by Michelle Boudreau Design. It was renovated by renowned architect Albert Frey, who incorporated numerous modernism design features.

New owners Bruce and Lynn Gibson requested a complete transformation of the exterior and interior, blending revitalized aesthetics with an innovative twist, while honoring Frey’s legacy and Batman’s iconic influence.

The design features slick curves reminiscent of the Bat Cave, accented by warm tones and signature black edges. Custom designed interiors create a distinct narrative in each room, while expansive glass sliders frame breathtaking views. Lush landscaping by La Riviera Studios, water features and a putting green enhance the seamless indoor/outdoor living. This house is the embodiment of the Palm Springs lifestyle.

I especially loved the bathrooms. Check these out:

Photos: d. king

For tickets to events until February 23rd please visit:

https://modernismweek.com/

inspiration

Arts Club – Primary Trust

PRIMARY TRUST is much more than a simple stage play set in a little town half an hour east of Rochester, New York. This play was the winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Best Drama – By Eboni Booth. From February 6th – March 2nd, 2025 at the Arts Club Theatre-Granville Island Stage. Go to bottom of page for ticket info.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Canadian Premiere. This review was written by Paul LeMay; a professional writer, on my behalf. It’s difficult to condense a whole play into a few paragraphs for a multitude of reasons – from monologues that are rich in dialogue to complexity of plot, themes and messages. I think he did a great job in narrowing the story down so that you still get the message without knowing everything. I believe this story will resonate with many.

It’s more than the simple story of a young black man who suddenly loses his job in a family-owned bookstore after working there for over twenty years. It’s about a man forced to confront the mind-numbing self-comforting of his near daily routine of drinking many a Mai-Tai during Happy Hour at Wally’s Tiki-bar with his best friend Bert.

Though the play draws its name from the bank where Kenneth eventually finds a new job as a teller, Primary Trust is about what it means to leave one’s own protective inner shell to confront one’s own early life traumatic losses. But allowing others to help us navigate that very delicate terrain to discover the healthier person we are beyond the trauma is also part of this story. So despite the surface-level simplicity of this light comedic play’s story premise, it’s one that proves able to dial into the proverbial emotional vulnerability found at the centre of each of us, and in so doing, it is more than enough to hit home in a meaningful manner. Don’t be surprised if tears rise to the surface when an inner recognition of this fact comes about, proving once again why theatre can often be both cathartic and healing for so many in attendance.

The performances of all the cast members were outstanding. The principal character Kenneth played by Andrew Broderick was convincing in his ability to convey the measure of innocence needed for this role. Broadus Mattison asKenneth’s friend Bert exemplified a powerful steadying mentorship presence that his deep gravitas voice instantlycommunicated. Andrew Wheeler was comedic in his portrayal of two of his quirkier characters, while also soberly convincing in his portrayal as the book store owner. And Celia Aloma was a veritable chameleon in her ability to almost instantly morph into a half dozen different characters as the script demanded throughout the course of the play.

And the music was never overly intrusive, but usefully supportive. In short, each cast member was an amazing credit to the successful staging of this play. Bravo!

Primary Trust – winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Best Drama – By Eboni Booth

Canadian Première – Arts Club Theatre Company, Vancouver Granville Island Stage, Feb 6-Mar 2, 2025

Cast:

Celia Aloma (Corrina/Wally’s Tiki Bar Waitress /Bank Customers)

Andrew Broderick (Kenneth – main character)

Anton Lipovetsky (Musician)

Broadus Mattison (Bert, Kenneth’s best friend)

Andrew Wheeler (Clay the Bookstore owner /Sam/ Waiter @ Le Pousselet)

Directed by Ashlie Corcoran

https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/primary-trust

DESTINATIONS

The “well hidden” Willows

“Opulence once enjoyed by Clark Gable and Carole Lombard” – The Guardian.And temporarily enjoyed by yours truly.

I’ve always gravitated towards tucked away hidden little gems. The unusual; or unexpected! This private hotel/hideaway is so well concealed that even after having eaten at the restaurant directly across the way, partied at the residence right above it and been to the museum next to it – this is the first time I’ve seen it. In my defense for never having noticed it before, and because I’m not that blind; it’s meant to be well hidden away from prying eyes. This historic Palm Springs Inn is built into the rocks on the side of a mountain. Reminiscent of a more splendid era.

Conrad, the property manager was kind enough to show me around this private, refined property – built by prominent Los Angeles architect William Dodd for two best friends who wanted to stay nearby each other. Now that’s what I call friendship!

I only recently found out about The Willows when having breakfast at Spencer’s. A friend of a friend came by our table and said she was staying there; sleeping in Einstein’s bed. Well, maybe not the actual bed Einstein slept in at the time he stayed there, but at least the room he stayed in. I was told that many locals aren’t aware of this lavish resort either, which makes me feel a lot better. The only thing that doesn’t make me feel better is that it’s not dog friendly. Not kid friendly as well, but that’s ok by me. You can’t just walk in either. You need a code. I called ahead and Conrad met me at the entrance gate and my dogs waited just inside the gate. It’s really something special. There are only 17 rooms but all are spacious and spectacular. The fees which run anywhere from around $450 – $700 per night, include breakfast from 8-10am by the waterfall and happy hour in the afternoon by the fireplace. Most of the rooms were occupied so I was not able to see them this time around.

The property is now owned by Soho House; an exclusive group with investments in hospitality, retail and entertainment around the world. Billionaire investor Ron Burkle is the majority owner of Soho House and has purchased a trio of iconic Palm Springs properties: The O’Donnell House and Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, Colony 29 event space, and Le Vallauris restaurant.

The introduction on their website says it all:

Mere moments from the excitement of downtown Palms Springs yet worlds away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is found one of the desert’s most unique hidden treasures – the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn. Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway, the Willows is a dream of peace and serenity brought to life by skilled craftsmen who nearly a century ago magically transformed a rugged and barren hillside in Palm Springs into a veritable oasis of rare beauty and ineffable charms.

One of Palm Springs’ most beloved landmarks, the Willows holds a rare and prestigious “Class 1” historic designation and is honored as one of the ten oldest structures in the entire City.

From September to May of each year, the Willows opens its fabled doors to a limited number of lucky guests. With only seventeen guest rooms, the Willows retains the feel of an exclusive private hideaway, which is exactly what it was created to be nearly a century ago. There is nothing of the soulless cookie-cutter hotel found here. As Los Angeles magazine so rapturously declared, “Staying at the Willows is like getting the keys to a well –off friend’s country estate.”

Where are my friends when I need them?

Photos: d. king

https://thewillowspalmsprings.com/about-the-willows/

THINKAboutit

Life is Like a Box of Coins

“You have, especially in striking encounters with strangers, two outcomes, but never know which side of human character is going to come up…”heads” (everybody wins), “tails” (everybody loses).”

I had a most unusual day on what happened to be my birthday, and what turned out to be a lesson in human nature and the intricate balance between good and evil.

Started out with meeting two friends for breakfast and a catch-up at Spencer’s; one of my favourite spots. A very nice start to the day.

That afternoon I decided to take my dogs to their favourite Palm Springs park to let them run around and enjoy the big open space.

We were there for about one hour when all of a sudden the mood changed when a man showed up with an oversized dog, on a tight leash. Adele started to go up to the dog when the man yelled at me to get her away; which I did right away. He said to put my dogs on a leash. There was barely anyone at the park at this time and they weren’t bothering anyone. I continued to let them play away from the man and his dog. Then another man showed up out of nowhere and started shouting obscenities at me. Turns out these two men are a married couple and they wanted me to know that they are law-abiding citizens. They also wanted me to know that they considered me a stupid, f….ing “C” word – and they didn’t mean conservative. It became vile very quickly and they continued to scream and quite frankly, I didn’t know what they’d be capable of. They were clearly trying to create a disturbance out of nothing. A man with two children come to my defence and then that man also got verbally attacked. To the point where one of the verbally abusive men came too close for comfort. We ended up leaving the park. I put a non-emergency call to report the incident – just in case I come across them again. One man indicated that things could turn out quite badly and I don’t know exactly what he meant by that, except it didn’t make sense to stay.

Wow; excitement to my day that I will not forget.

That evening I walked to a nearby, very nice, dog-friendly restaurant on my own to celebrate my special day. I don’t believe in a birthday week or whole month as many here do; and I don’t go out of my way to alert people of my birthday because I think it makes them feel obligated. Of course after the fact, some tell me I should’ve mentioned it. Maybe, however; dining alone can be an enjoyable experience. There’s freedom of choice, no distractions and time to self-reflect. The people-watching can be great too.

Speaking of people-watching….an interesting group came in and sat down at the next outdoor table just as I was deciding what to order for dessert. Four people; a man with two beautiful doodle dogs, another man and two women; all unrelated to each other as it turns out. Three out of four of them were married but their partners were not with them at the restaurant. The men were friends, colleagues and periodontists. They were straight. The women were friends since high school.

The man with the dogs noticed my two dogs and asked it he could bring his dogs over to introduce them. I love Palm Springs so much for their dog friendly attitude. He came over with his two well-behaved female dogs (sisters as well) and then went back to his table. At which point he asked if I would join them. I declined at first but they all insisted. So I went over, really enjoyed their company and had my dessert with them. The women had already had their dinner in the restaurant and were on their way out when they met these two men who were on their way in to have dinner.

The men asked them to join them and offered to buy them a drink so they said sure. The women were from elsewhere, here visiting and staying at a the Rowan hotel downtown. One man was visiting from Chicago, the other lives here in town. They were all very fun and friendly. Turned out to be such an unexpected, pleasant evening with lots of laughs. When my bill came, the man with the dogs quickly picked it up and said it was his pleasure to take care of it.

AFTER THE SECOND BIRTHDAY “TOSS FROM THE BOX!”

Heads-up; what turned out to be an unpleasant afternoon experience, ended up as a very enjoyable end to my evening.

STYLE

Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion

What can be said about Bob Mackie – also referred to as the “Sultan of Sequins,” and the king of Hollywood’s red carpet?

Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) 2025

For starters; his designs are synonymous with extravagance, glitter, and creativity, making him a legend in the world of fashion and costume design. ALL the biggest stars wear (0r have worn) Bob Mackie.

This wonderful and glamorous documentary, part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025, was my personal favourite.

“Naked Illusion” celebrates the legendary costume designer’s six-decade career of iconic, over-the-top creations which earned him nine Emmy Awards, three Academy Award nominations, and a Tony Award. This delightful documentary offers a glittering cavalcade of Mackie’s celebrity clients including Cher, Carol Burnett, P!nk, and Tom Ford as they offer an inside look at his dazzling legacy. See trailer below.

And what a legacy he created!

THIS iconic dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to JFK.

There were a few surprises that the audience was not expecting. For one; finding out that Mackie is a grandfather and great grandfather. Finding out that this was a surprise for him too.

The world premiere of the “Naked Issusion” was held in May at The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles. It was a legendary evening with Bob Mackie, Carol Burnett, RuPaul, Cher & Friends.

At the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Mackie was here in person and went on stage for a Q&A after the showing.

I’m lucky to have met Mackie on three separate occasions. His book signing for “The Art of Bob Mackie,” at the Annenberg theatre for a play about “Edith Head” and recently at the Camelot theatre before the “Naked Illusion”screening. He’s very down to earth, a gentleman and looks much younger than his 85 years.

Outside the Annenberg Theatre before the show. The actress (Susan Claassen) who played Edith Head is friend of Mackie’s. He told me that Edith Head gave him his start in the business when he worked as her assistant.

This was at the Camelot theatre in Palm Springs.

Here are some of the more famous creations he designed:

Cher’s 1974 Met Gala dress: A sheer, sequin-covered, feathered dress that was so shocking it was banned from some newsstands. Cher later wore it on the cover of Time magazine.
Cher’s 1986 Academy Awards dress: A sequined caged top and a towering headpiece. When she came out and announced “I wanted to dress like a serious actress.”
Marilyn Monroe’s nude gown: The dress she wore to sing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy.
Elton John as Donald Duck: Mackie dressed Elton John as Donald Duck, complete with a tail and webbed feet.
Costumes for The Carol Burnett Show: Mackie designed up to 70 costumes for Carol Burnett and her guests each week.
See TRAILER below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZSLQ_E3eXQ
Also; let’s not forget about all the Barbie dresses he created. I saw them in Montreal at the Barbie Expo, Les Cours Mont Royal. My friend’s sister curated this event.https://www.psfilmfest.org/

Film Reviews

Diane Warren:Relentless

Part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025.

Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025

You might not know her; but if you don’t know her songs, then you’ve been living under a rock.

Diane Warren: Relentless is a raw, in-depth documentary about the most persistent songwriter in show business.

A “BEST OF FEST” audience favorite from hollywood’s most coveted songwriter – with Beyoncé, Cher, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and Toni Braxton among her many devotees.

Warren describes herself as weird; doesn’t like the word NO, is worth billions but not interested in spending it and prefers animals to people. But who can blame her on that one?

This sensitive, snappy but mesmerizing woman has been nominated for 15 Oscars® – and never won. She has been nominated for multiple Oscars for Best Original Song, including for her song “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from the movie Armageddon, sung by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. It’s such a beautiful song but there are so many more. Instead, she was the first songwriter to receive a well-deserved honorary Oscar at the 13th Governors Awards in November 2022.

I personally tend to gravitate towards documentaries and this one is one of my favorites. It’s an uplifting story that goes to prove how a rebellious, anti-social child from humble beginnings with a mother who kept hounding her to become a secretary, can become one of the great songwriters of all time. An amazing accomplishment!

“Relentless” is a powerful adjective. It describes someone or something that is unyielding, persistent, and, often, unshakable. Someone who pursues their goals with unwavering determination, never giving up despite obstacles or challenges. They are tireless in their efforts and continue to push forward, no matter what.

Diane Warren was supposed to be here in person for a Q&A after the film but very sadly, her Malibu home was totally destroyed in the recent L.A. fires. Bess Kargman, the director, put Warren on speaker phone so that audience members could ask a few questions.

The festival is now over but I’ve left the link to what was shown here:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/

FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.

Film Reviews

PSIFF: Every Little Thing

A delightfully empathetic film about a woman who tends to wounded hummingbirds up in the Hollywood Hills. The California Premiere was part of the 36th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Terry Masear is an angel of a person who either finds, or takes in hummingbirds who are injured and nurses them back to health. Her phone rings with people wanting to drop birds off to her.

More often than not, her efforts reap rewards. Sometimes they fail, but she never gives up on the delicate little creatures. As the story points out, this joyful, gorgeously shot portrait teaches us as much about these fragile, amazing creatures as it does about the tenacity of the human heart.

Masear painstakingly feeds babies from little droppers who’ve been left behind by in most cases, a deceased mother. She does her utmost to try to get the ones with damaged wings to fly again. Her world revolves around a special relationship with hummingbirds and she knows a lot about them.

Perhaps she’s attempting to fix their broken spirits, as she herself once went through deep emotional distress. We find out that Masear suffered from childhood abuse and then later on, she looked after her husband of 30 years as he went through a long decline of Alzheimer’s disease. It wasn’t easy.

Overall, this is a beautiful story about nature’s little wonders.

My friend Rosa holding this little feeder. Photo: d. king

Six fascinating, lesser-known traits about our little friends:

Incredible Metabolism: Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of any bird species. Their tiny bodies require enormous amounts of energy, and they can consume up to twice their body weight in nectar and insects daily.
Napping Experts: To conserve energy, hummingbirds can enter a state of torpor, a mini-hibernation that allows them to significantly slow down their metabolism, sometimes by up to 95%. During this state, their heart rate drops drastically from over 1,000 beats per minute to as low as 50 beats per minute.
Color Perception: Hummingbirds can see colors that are beyond human perception, including ultraviolet. This ability helps them spot nectar-rich flowers that stand out more vividly to their eyes than they do to ours. They can spot a flower a mile away.
Adaptability: While they’re known for their small size and delicate appearance, hummingbirds are remarkably adaptable. Some species can thrive in various environments, from the tropics to the North American deserts and even high-altitude Andean peaks.
Speed and Agility: These birds are speed demons, capable of flying at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour. They also have the unique ability to fly backward and hover in midair, thanks to their ability to rotate their wings in a full circle.
Longevity: Despite their high-energy lifestyle, some hummingbirds can live quite long lives for such small birds, with some species living up to nine years or more in the wild.

The film festival is over now. Today is Best of the Fest with information below:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/