Roads End Naturalist

Exploring the natural world as we wander at the end of the road


They’re Back

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Always be on the Lookout for the Presence of Wonder

~E.B. White

I saw my first one yesterday. I glanced out the window and a streak went by the flowers I had just bought for the window box. I went to the door and I saw it hovering, checking out the red taillight on my car, then it zipped away. I went out to the garden and I heard the unmistakable hum of its wings as it checked out the feeder I had put up last week in anticipation of its return.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird-11
Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The male’s are first to arrive, to find a territory, to feed and defend. It won’t be long now before a half dozen or more are buzzing over the garden, zipping by my head, squabbling with each other at the Coral Honeysuckle blooms. Even though there are still Juncos at the feeding stations, the signs are irrefutable – the Eastern Bluebirds are on eggs, the Redbud is blooming, and the first hummingbird is back….spring is here.

 

 

Comments

One response to “They’re Back”

  1. Nita Whitfield Avatar
    Nita Whitfield

    Thanks Mike!!!! will put out my feeder, too… have NOT heard the little chirping i always hear to know they are back… had fun tonight with two bullfrogs i fished out of my water pond! Did not subject them to the wine glass !

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Roads End Naturalist

Exploring the natural world as we wander at the end of the road

Copyright Mike Dunn and Melissa Dowland