The end of the summer
is always bittersweet but when fall migration has started, the backyard becomes alive with flocks of travelers. Some are just stopping for a short break while others stay for a couple of days. This is the case with Baltimore Orioles right now. I have added an extra jelly feeder, and the cups need to be refilled several times a day now (I also clean the cups with each refill). It is always wonderful to see the full spectrum of color variations at display when indivisuals of various ages come together. And in between, the Robins, Woodpeckers and Finches (the one pictures has a very interesting molt going on) also get their share.
I put the jelly feeder on the cam
to see how Oriole frequency is, and here is who hit it today. I also saw a female Hummingbird. However, this is Michigan. We have a frost warning tonight, and I hope everybody has a warm spot. The week should be warmer, and hopefully, May finally has a chance to really show off. Happy Monday!
(I realize the lens was dirty but I did not see it at the time.)
A very interesting
spring day today. It rained a lot, I tried to keep an eye on the yard out for Orioles and Hummingbirds while also trying to focus on work because they seemingly had rained down onto Michigan today, but nope. None. I did see the first Rose-breasted Grosbeak though! A beautiful male quickly stopped by. The regulars seemed irritated by the new offering. Tomorrow might be the day, there is less rain in the forecast but temperatures are still not pleasant. (Titmouse, Robin, Cardi lady and House Finch)
Video: Hummer sampling jelly
A young Rubythroated came this morning to sample the grape jelly. As you can see, he keeps a watchful eye at the yellow jackets. Them and other insects like hornets always appear around the end of August and can be annoying around the nectar and jelly feeders. I am trying to keep the feeders extra clean and avoid going there too much so I don’t get stung. And I am secretly hoping that the Orioles will start to migrate so I can take the jelly feeder in…
Times are bleak at the feeders
because everybody is taking care of the babies, but keeping that jelly feeder out there and filled can be rewarding. The Catbird is still a regular, which is absolutely wonderful, and this speckled Oriole is a daily guest at the jelly trough as well.
