Date: 02/19/2023

Number: 1

Raphy, our subadult male Rufous/Allen's hummingbird, continues to fatten up and fill in his adult colors. He is a tough little fellow. Nights/mornings over the weekend were quite chilly, down to 25 degrees Saturday morning. Temps for the next 10 days are forecast to be warming up, with lows in the 40s and highs of 55 degrees and above. It's supposed to hit 82 degrees on Thursday, which is unseasonably warm! 🤣

Lots of Spring bulb flowers are blooming, with many more on the way, as well as early Spring ornamental tree buds/blooms. Lots of insects are also emerging and all of our birdies are in nesting/ migrating prep mode.

Some of our winter guests are beginning to head out on their long journeys north, including White Throated Sparrows, Ruby Crowned Kinglets, and Dark Eyed Juncos. We have a sweet little Hermit Thrush who has also been with us all winter. They have all been such a tremendous blessing.

Raphy arrived 4 months ago. From what I've read, he will most likely be heading out on his own journey soon. He will definitely be missed, but we all wish him safe travels. He has been such a delight and our 3 year old, Josephine, watches with me for him every morning. She wishes he would wait until early April to meet Sparky, our alpha adult male Ruby Throated, when he returns. Yet, she understands that Raphy and Sparky spend different times of the year with us. God willing, we tell her, Raphy will be back with us in October. 😀

Kernersville, NC

Latitude: 36.1 Longitude: -80.1

Observed by: Sophie
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