Fall migration is here! I've spotted several migrating hummingbirds this past week, including a male Rufous and a Red Ruby-Throated male. Both of these birds dominated the feeder while they were visiting to the point the little female hummers could not get a drink.
I've also seen Hawks and Warblers moving through the area. Seems a bit early for hummingbirds to migrate, but they are here. Get those feeders ready!
Twas the Day before Migration
Not a creature was stirring, not even a titmouse.
The feeders were hung in the trees with care,
In hopes that the migrating hummingbirds soon would be there.
The birders were searching for tripods lodged in the shed,
While visions of Orioles danced in their heads.
And mamma with her binoculars, and I in my cap,
Had just settled in for a migration nap.
When out in the lawn arouse such a clatter,
I sprang from my birding chair to what was the matter.
Away to the window, I like a flash,
It tore around the yard and made quite a dash.
The sun on the breast of a Red Throated Ruby
Gave the lustre that rivaled royal jewels beauty.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a territorial male and a female who decided to disappear.
A little odd bird, so lively and quick,
I knew it in a moment, from its music and frolic.
Now Rufous! now Black Chin! now Ruby Throated and Allen!
On Buff Bellied! On, Anna! On Costa, drinking my sugar water by the gallon!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now fly away! Fly away! Fly away all. © 2012
~ A Rambling Wren Original Poem
Your poem is fun and the hummers are fun to watch. We've had quite a few so there have been some fights at the feeder. Time to get out another feeder!
ReplyDeleteThank you Shirley! I've wondered if I needed to get another feeder. I've also considered getting a bigger feeder, however it doesn't look like the hummers like to share. Can't they just all get along;) Hope you have a great Labor Day weekend:)
ReplyDeleteThank you:) I feel bad that those little birds are migrating during this drought. I try to keep the sugar water fresh in my feeder to help them along their way.
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing more hummingbirds lately too. It completely slipped my mind that it was migration time. Fun, fun, fun. I may need to put out a few extra feeders to keep them from fighting. If the orioles show up, I will definitely have to put out extra. Those orioles know how to drain a hummingbird feeder in no time flat.
ReplyDeleteAlly,
DeleteIt seems early for them to start migrating, however more and more birds are showing up at my feeder. I've only seen a couple of Orioles in migrating through our area, although I've never seen them at the feeder. Very cool!
We've had a bunch at the nursery lately but I know soon they will be gone. They are so fun to watch and try to capture. Cute poem!
ReplyDeleteThank you! They are a lot of fun to watch when they are doing their aerial acrobatics:) We were lucky enough to have a Rufous stay over winter in our yard for the past two years. Hope he shows up again this year.
DeleteLove your poem! It amazes me how birds know when to migrate. In this heat, I would have never guessed that it was already time!
ReplyDeleteThanks future MG! I feel the same way.... I'm always amazed how they know when it is time to head South. I keep thinking how tough it is for them to find food and water in this drought.
DeleteWhat a beautiful poem! I just adore it. It's really astounding how birds & butterflies know their ways--and so wonderful that gardeners make sure they have food along the way. Also, I really love your blog design. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda. I really appreciate your kind comment. I feel the same way about the subject of migration. Fascinating isn't it? I'm a huge fan of CTG. Thank you for your hard work on such a wonderful show!
DeleteYour photo is amazing and I love you poem...Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your kind comment Charlie. Thanks for dropping by.
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