In Anticipation

The Hummingbird feeders have been thoroughly cleaned, filled and hung beneath the tree, in anticipation of the "spotters" traveling through.
We probably won't see many until the weather warms permanently in the middle of Spring, but with temperatures already in the 80 degree range, they may be arriving sooner rather than later.

The Bluebird boxes have already shown activity of feathering and nesting, as have the little Carolina Wren houses and the Robins nests.
It's all so exciting.

Oh, there's music in the forests
And there's music in the glen,
As the birds are warbling greetings
To the spring that's come again.
All their piping is so merry
That the woodlands seem to ring,
With the praises of the birdsongs
For the coming of the spring.
Join the joyous woodland chorus
And raise high your voice in cheer,
Join the birdsongs in thanksgiving
For the springtime of the year!

Their Back !

The Hummingbirds are back!

Most of us can’t wait until April every year to start putting out our Hummingbird feeders.

We love attracting those little birds that are so much fun to watch.

Here in the South near Nashville we get lots of the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, and welcome their return each year.

Before hanging up your hummingbird feeder, make sure to clean it out really well.

In the glass feeders use a rinse of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach solution. (If you have a plastic feeder, be careful. The bleach may discolor it). Rinse it really well with hot water.

Let the feeder cool before adding your nectar.

Your homemade nectar can be made from 1 part sugar (white/cane sugar) to 4 parts water. The traditional way of making your nectar calls for *boiling to make it easier to dissolve the sugar and to purify the solution so that it will stay fresh longer.

Let the nectar cool before pouring it into your feeder. -Please DO NOT add red food coloring or dye, or honey to the nectar.

You may store any unused nectar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.*I do not boil my nectar, according to Lanny Chambers, "It's not necessary to boil the water. The microorganisms that cause fermentation don't come from the water; they are transported to the feeder on hummingbird bills.

"Hang your feeder and enjoy!!!

Was It Something I Said ?

A Conundrum

Something is noticeably missing from the usual Summer activity around our yard..... Hummingbirds

Despite having the feeders filled and ready for the "scouts" this Spring, we have yet to see our first Hummingbird. Most unusual since previous years they have been so prolific in numbers.

I have dedicatedly washed the feeder, and filled with new "elixir" every three days, but no takers !

The Rose of Sharon shrubs are bursting with blooms, and are usually bustling with feeding Hummingbirds......yet nary a one has come visiting.

Are there any fellow bird-lovers out there, experiencing this same degree of "no-shows" ?
Curiouser and curiouser...