Some hummers still in area
Today I have it on my list to bring in the hummingbird feeders and clean them up for the winter, so imagine my surprise when I looked out my living room window and saw one of the tiny birds, drinking out of a feeder that hadn't had new nectar put in it for weeks!
I had no idea that some of the little birds could still be traveling through this area on their way south, but I guess it's true. I've read that we shouldn't be in a hurry to bring in our feeders, because (contrary to some beliefs) the feeders do not cause the hummingbirds to postpone their trip south.
On the contrary, the energetic little birds need extra nourishment for their long trip to South America, so it's actually beneficial for us to continue feeding them until late.
A few minutes ago, I fixed up one cup of the nectar (1/4 c. sugar to 1 cup water), warmed it on the stove so it would dissolve, and put it out in the feeder for any other little birds which might drop by.
I will miss them this winter, but like flowers and green trees, we can't keep them with us all year. We'll appreciate them all the more next spring, after we've survived what I hope and pray is a mild winter! (Please, Lord, not another one like the last two!!!)
From the cool and suddenly sunny hills of Tillman, Mo., this is your rural reporter Madeline, enjoying an autumn day.
Comments
- -- Posted by Dexterite1 on Sat, Oct 10, 2009, at 4:45 PM
- -- Posted by goat lady on Sat, Oct 10, 2009, at 6:31 PM
- -- Posted by lovebooks on Sun, Oct 11, 2009, at 12:38 PM
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