Date: 04/22/2023
Number: 1
1 camera shy male Might be just passing through because he’s skittish and barely tolerated seeing me through the window and only buzzed by the feeder on the upper deck if I was out there He’s back again this morning I’m watching to see if he takes the same corner perch favored by the dominant male last So far he hasn’t
Those I believe were born here have made a point of greeting my neighbors and me It’s a delightful ritual around here to welcome them “home”; long established before I moved in
The birds got so used to me I know to check the feeders if they seem insistent on getting my attention Often it’s tilted or soiled from a songbird using it as a perch The resident dominant female is especially picky
I’m interested to see if she returns and again defers to the friendly male that got here first and took over defending both upstairs feeders and flowers all Spring until I was convinced she hadn’t made it back here to nest
I could see hummingbirds darting from a distance with a small telescope at the lower deck nectar feeder and abundant wildflowers
But she came back up last Summer I’m convinced it’s the same standout chatty little thing I met 3 years ago when this became my primary residence and workplace She’ll take a drink while I’m still holding a fresh feeder before I even have the chance to hang it So two babies have followed suit with some persuasion, when I’ve held it or sat it touching me while reading quietly I was thrilled to be close enough to see 1 tiny red diamond to identify a male hatched in 2021 He was likely the adult that took over last year Who I’m apparently still waiting for I’d love to able to band them and track my observations with actual certainty
I still miss the unique bond with Lil’ Lill in Elsmere But she was left with most of my native pollinator patch and the neighbors who were given her favorite nectar station have taken up the hobby
Crittenden, KY
Latitude: 38.8 Longitude: -84.6
Observed by: Jypsi
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