Summer’s End
Not that the calendar defines any but a formal definition of the seasons, but ’round these parts, summer is defined by hummingbirds.
The temperatures have been higher than usual for the past week or so; as I write this on the 24th, it’s 95 out with a 38° dew point … nice weather.
But I saw my last hummingbird last Sunday – the 20th. The equinox arrived here at just past midnight on the 21st. And by daylight, they were gone.
Gave it a day or so to see if I just missed them at the feeder, but as I write this here on the 24th? … I guess it’s time to bring the feeders in. 20° cooler tomorrow and another 10° cooler on Saturday.
More important … the low tomorrow night is 41°. Too close to freezing for me anymore.
Maybe I should follow the hummingbirds …
Or at least go outside after I schedule this to enjoy one of the last few days nice enough to do so.
We saw our last hummingbird on the 14th, and though our weather has been pleasant in the afternoon the past few days, 70 degrees or so with full sun, two mornings ago at 6 a.m. it was 32 degrees. Fall is asserting itself here in northern Michigan.
Got tied up with family while in MI in August, didn’t complete my “to-do” list other than one trip to Marlette. Didn’t get to Zehnders, didn’t get to Grayling. Didn’t take 72 across the state. I’d like to think there’s always next time … but I can’t even count on that anymore. Oh, well – we were never intended to get all we hope for.
“we were never intended to get all we hope for.”…says who?
66F on the high plaines this morning. Nice to stroll outside with an extra black coffee. Today is POWER FRIDAY. Go make it happen!
I’ve never seen a hummingbird IRL…in person, etc.
Send it our way ….. southeast Texas still over 95* each day …. have not seen a temp in the 70s (even at night) since April or May, I think.
Got the last of 4th cutting alfalfa in the barn before the rain started.
You’re lucky if you see many, DT. I consider it miraculous if my eye catches one for 10 seconds. There’s a very interesting essay about them and the whale with the largest heart (Humming birds have the smallest) called “Joyas Voladoras” by Brian Doyle part of which I will try to add to this post. If I’m not successful, I’m sure it can be found on line and is well worth the read. Success!
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I have a friend living at about 9000 ft in the San Juans in CO. It was not uncommon to see 14 or 15 hummers fighting each other at the feeder. I’m not convinced they don’t enjoy chasing each other away from the nectar than in the nectar itself. I only get 3 or 4 here.
We are fortunate to have hummingbirds visit the feeders in our backyard year round. I’ve attempted to get them to eat from my hand, but this is about as close as I’ve managed so far.
We live in the PNW close to the Canadian border. We have the amazing Anna’s hummingbird here all year round. When the frigid winds out of Canada arrive the poor little things somehow survive. According to the bird app, Merlin from Cornell University they can also survive on bugs when there is no nectar available.