Last night, as I came in from milking, I heard him. The lone whip-o-will remaining in our valley has returned. His call reminds me that the summer birds return this month banishing winter for now.
Watching the bird feeder, the titmice, juncos and sparrows are gone. They’ve been replaced by purple finches and goldfinches. The hummingbirds are back. The season has changed.
New Birds
For the first time a pair of Canada geese have decided to visit with us. The pastures are lush and green for them to enjoy grazing. The creek is flowing well.
Evidently the pair found our place to their liking. The goose has disappeared leaving the gander parading around. The crows have discovered they are no longer welcome in his stretch of the creek.
In several more weeks the goose will probably be back with little goslings following behind. We still don’t know why the pair decided to stay when there is only the creek for water.
Flashes of Yellow
When summer birds return, finches are among them. The purple finches have purple on their heads and necks. The goldfinches are drab greens.
Now the male goldfinches are dressed in their summer finery. Walking out the door this morning to do chores, a small flock flew up out of the yard. All fled to the bushes except one. He stopped on the wire around the persimmon tree to strut his stuff. His golden feathers and black cap were striking.
Plenty of Food
Although many birds do keep coming by the bird feeder, most are off eating the many insects now flying and crawling around in the plants. If the cicadas emerge here, that food supply will increase dramatically.
The one item I wish was more popular are the ticks. They are in great abundance this year.
A fairly dry winter became a fairly wet spring just in time for the summer birds return. Now the rain needs to keep coming to water my garden.
