After a chilly and somewhat uneventful spring, the birds have returned in full force for the start of the birding season. Not to mention, the lush and sudden profusion of greenery makes me feel almost as if I’ve entered some kind of mini-tropical climate. Vermont is alive with the sounds and smells of late Spring.
Birds and plants aren’t the only things that are awakening, however. Indeed, I had a surprise one morning when I looked out the window to find my tube feeders ravaged by a hungry bear. While our friends in the mountains are always in close proximity to the wilder side of Vermont, we in the valley, though we certainly have our fair share of wild woodland visitors, still get frazzled by such a sight. Of course, with the advent of spring, hibernating critters, from round-cheeked chipmunks to the proverbial hungry bear, are out looking for a meal. I got another report of a similar nature from John in Dorset. The fate of my feeders? One feeder was relatively unharmed, while the other was beyond repair. The mounting pole for the feeders was bent like a paper clip. (So much for the squirrel baffle...) Anyway, after some bending and hammering and the purchase of a new feeder, the backyard hotspot is back open for business—and just in time!
Recently I’ve seen a paint-palate of colours at the feeder, from the butter yellow of the goldfinches and the indigo of the blue jays to the scarlet of the cardinals and heather grey of the chickadees. The yard is awhirl with activity and many of my favourite summer guests have made an appearance. While I was doing some garden work, I was pleased to hear a reproachful “meow” from a Grey Catbird, who eventually came to check up on my progress before fluttering off. The Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks have also returned, as well as the Tree Swallows.
And guess what? The bear returned, and whacked my feeders yet again. I have temporarily brought them inside the garage.
I am also pleased to report that I had my first hummingbird sighting a few days ago. A little male, clad in iridescent green and red, spent about ten minutes visiting each flower on my newly-blooming bleeding hearts. The little fellow, after emitting a few squeaks, darted back to the thicket the hummers call home every summer after taking his fill and even sitting upon a few of the delicate stalks to take a break between sips.
I just hope that the weather continues to improve. Indeed, after that awful rainy spell last week, that turned into a surprise snow dusting on Mother Myrick mountain (in May? Remember, kids, this is Vermont!). I even had reports of some slate-coloured juncos—more commonly known as “Snow Birds”—in the area. Let’s just hope that they don’t live up to their name or reputation of signalling a snowfall.
Have you seen anything interesting in your backyard lately? Did you see something that surprised you on a walk? If so, send me an e-mail at chickadee@att.net and share your sighting. Happy Birding!
Birds and plants aren’t the only things that are awakening, however. Indeed, I had a surprise one morning when I looked out the window to find my tube feeders ravaged by a hungry bear. While our friends in the mountains are always in close proximity to the wilder side of Vermont, we in the valley, though we certainly have our fair share of wild woodland visitors, still get frazzled by such a sight. Of course, with the advent of spring, hibernating critters, from round-cheeked chipmunks to the proverbial hungry bear, are out looking for a meal. I got another report of a similar nature from John in Dorset. The fate of my feeders? One feeder was relatively unharmed, while the other was beyond repair. The mounting pole for the feeders was bent like a paper clip. (So much for the squirrel baffle...) Anyway, after some bending and hammering and the purchase of a new feeder, the backyard hotspot is back open for business—and just in time!
Recently I’ve seen a paint-palate of colours at the feeder, from the butter yellow of the goldfinches and the indigo of the blue jays to the scarlet of the cardinals and heather grey of the chickadees. The yard is awhirl with activity and many of my favourite summer guests have made an appearance. While I was doing some garden work, I was pleased to hear a reproachful “meow” from a Grey Catbird, who eventually came to check up on my progress before fluttering off. The Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks have also returned, as well as the Tree Swallows.
And guess what? The bear returned, and whacked my feeders yet again. I have temporarily brought them inside the garage.
I am also pleased to report that I had my first hummingbird sighting a few days ago. A little male, clad in iridescent green and red, spent about ten minutes visiting each flower on my newly-blooming bleeding hearts. The little fellow, after emitting a few squeaks, darted back to the thicket the hummers call home every summer after taking his fill and even sitting upon a few of the delicate stalks to take a break between sips.
I just hope that the weather continues to improve. Indeed, after that awful rainy spell last week, that turned into a surprise snow dusting on Mother Myrick mountain (in May? Remember, kids, this is Vermont!). I even had reports of some slate-coloured juncos—more commonly known as “Snow Birds”—in the area. Let’s just hope that they don’t live up to their name or reputation of signalling a snowfall.
Have you seen anything interesting in your backyard lately? Did you see something that surprised you on a walk? If so, send me an e-mail at chickadee@att.net and share your sighting. Happy Birding!
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