The backyard is abuzz with a steady hum of activity: Ruby-throated hummingbirds feast on the blossoms of bee-balm and hostas as they come to the end of their season, rose-breasted grosbeaks and sunshine yellow goldfinches bob around the tube feeders and noisy swallows swoop through the sky. This is without a doubt one of my favourite times of the year in Vermont. No matter where you look, you can always be sure that a surprise will await you!
The flock of cedar waxwings was back again, gorging on the plentiful berries in the bushes, the air buzzing with their customary high-pitched zee. On a walk, I also saw a great many of the birds around the Dorset pond, skimming the water between meals. Later that same day, I was also pleased to see two proud eastern phoebe parents anxiously guarding their nest and taking turns on investigating the garden, tails bobbing all the way.
For several days in a row, now, I have had the pleasure of seeing my elusive Baltimore oriole friends darting through the garden. The birds, which have always seemed to purposely avoid me, now appear erratically but often near the giant weeping willows in the field behind my house, where they seem to have taken up residency. Sometimes I glimpse them as they hop around my tomato plants, one of their favourite spots in the garden. Who knows? Perhaps I’ll see a family of the orange beauties before the summer is through!
On another note, on the request of many of my readers, I am pleased to announce that I now have a new and functional website for this column. In addition to my articles here in The Manchester Journal, I will be posting birding tips and tricks, special sightings, general musings, and photographs of birds and flowers from my garden. You are also encouraged to leave comments, questions, and birding tips of your own. Please help me get this off of the ground and make sure to check out my site at www.watchthebirdsvermont.blogspot.com!
Of course, you are still welcome to send me questions and comments regarding this column of any sightings you have seen at chickadee@att.net. Happy birding and enjoy the fine summer weather!
