Date: 09/23/2022

Number: 9

Not the best photo, but here is one of our sweet juveniles. We call her Willow. Her favorite perch throughout most of the summer has been on this Major Wheeler Honeysuckle, which bloomed profusely throughout spring and the first half of summer. For the last few weeks, there have only been a couple dozen blooms on this plant at any given time. It grows on an obelisk just off of our front porch near the center of our front yard. It is in the midst of a garden of pollinator friendly perennials, annuals, and shrubs. Willow was one of the first juveniles to fledge this year and shared this particular garden with one of the resident adult males for quite awhile. Interestingly, she has always preferred flowers over the feeders and can be seen feeding from them from morning to night. Some of her favorites have included the honeysuckle, bee balm, cuphea, shrimp plant, salvia, pentas, nasturtium, lobelia, phlox, four o'clocks, butterfly bush, agastache, and lantana.

Willow has since shared the front yard with lots of other juveniles as well for quite some time. She still prefers her perch on the honeysuckle and she still prefers the flowers over the feeders. She, as well as many of the others, have become quite comfortable with my presence and often choose to perch near me when I'm in the front yard. They squeak when I'm near.

Willow is still with us. At least 9 juveniles/ resident adult females remain, although I believe that most of our resident adult females have headed south, with the exception of 1 or 2. Both of our resident adult males have headed south (on the 9th and 14th).

The temperature has dropped considerably all of a sudden, with nighttime temps falling into the 40s. I've increased the concentration and am using a 3:1 ratio with the solution in their feeders. I'm expecting a continued staggered departure with the rest of our crew. Last year, our last 2 juveniles left on October 7th and we continued to see travelers through the 23rd.

These little birds are so special to so many of us. Their arrival each year signals the true beginning of Spring and their departure each Fall is always so bittersweet. We only wish them to leave as we know it is necessary for their wellbeing and we pray for their continued wellbeing. Please continue to keep your feeders clean and filled with fresh solution. And God speed to our sweet little friends.

Kernersville, NC

Latitude: 36.1 Longitude: -80.1

Observed by: Sophie
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