This is my favorite time of year. The weather is delightfully cooler, the Monarchs are migrating, and my favorite Hummingbirds gather in my yard for several days at a time before moving on to their long migration down to the tip of Florida and then across the Gulf of Mexico.I love watching the hummingbirds territorial disputes over the feeders, and changing from juvenile plumage into the beginnings of their adult plumage, especially when the males begin to get their red throat. It is totally amazing to me that these tiny little birds can make a 600 mile flight across and Gulf of Mexico and back again each year.
The Chickadees and Tufted Titmice are back in force after their nesting season, Carolina Wrens are much more visible, and I await with anticipation the return of the White-throated Sparrows from their Boreal breeding grounds.
I was in Lewes, DE for the weekend and observed large congregations of Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Little Blue Herons gathered together in the marshes. It is thrilling to see a flock of 50 or more Great Blues winging their way through the almost-nighttime sky.
I love this time of year because so many species are in motion, some going away and others coming back. Migration really is a miracle of nature, played out year after year in a continual cycle.
I love watching hummingbirds fight over feeders. They're so feisty! Is that a Perky-Pet feeder in the picture? I found their Top Fill feeders while looking online. Have you used them yet? They're supposed to be real easy to fill.
ReplyDeleteNo, it a feeder by Aspects called the Hummzinger. Best feeder I've ever used for hummingbirds. I don't like the Perky-Pet feeder. This one is much better! You can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/Aspects-Inc-ASP-153-Hummingbird-Hummzinger/dp/B0019Y0YCA/conservgarden-20
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