(re-post)
Either a family of hummingbirds is sequentially frequenting the feeder on the deck or one bird is astonishingly hungry. Perhaps it is my awareness that has piqued as to the number of times a hummingbird visits the single offering buffet (albeit offered at four outlets) but the number has alerted (alarmed!) me enough to wonder at a sugar addiction and mix less rather than more on the sugar to water one -to- four ratio when making the nectar. White sugar is said to be so bad for humans. Can it be good for birds? Are there alternatives for hummingbird food provided by my species? I've noticed finches and chickadees seeming to take sips of that sweet water this year, something not seen before. And having recognized (whew and wow!) a sugar addiction in myself ("finally!", said my kids – they say ask family to point out an addiction; avoidance and denial being such a part of acknowledging it oneself), and gradually overcoming it (w and w again!) I know the power of sugar. And I put out sugar water for the birds with some trepidation. And wish for the ability to discern one hummingbird from another!
A downy woodpecker is in appearance again in my habitat. A year or so ago one took up residence in the acorn-shaped birdhouse hanging off the deck. Each morning I delighted in peering out from my home and watching him, from his home, peer back at me. An early morning bird aubade. One day I noticed the rope attaching bird house to beam looked frayed and I worried the house would 'come tumbling down' with bird aboard. So when bird was out I added a strong nylon line. I thought I had disturbed as little as possible – with the best of intentions – but downy was no longer at home. I missed him! And so this new downy is most welcomed and when he was eyeing the acorn bird house I averted my eyes: some idea of total non-interference.
The swallows are back. Swooping and silently singing – or humming, at least, I am sure. How could one engage in such exhilarating soaring and not burst into song. Once I stood in a field with a group of naturalists and tossed feathers up into the air, watched barn swallows whiz by and retrieve them. In an attempt to repeat that magic I cast some cotton nesting material off the deck into the wind. The wind would not co-operate and kept batting the white fluff back to me. The swallows were likely sitting in the trees laughing.
Chickadees are thickly in evidence. One is particularly voiceful as he pecks at the peanuts in a feeder I made and of and with which I am proud and pleased. It's small mesh wrapped around a wooden block base in a sort of narrow cylindrical shape which allows for feeding from both sides and ends with no inaccessible center space. The pieces of peanuts and sunflower seeds I leave on the base are soonest taken but so far my outstretched hand with such offerings is viewed with interest but not yet approach. I look forward to once again having bird feet pin onto my finger, share the trust.