Rosy!

I could easily have posted another hummingbird today, but I know the hummingbirds are here for the summer whereas these rose-breasted grosbeaks are probably only here for a visit. In truth, I've only ever seen this bird twice before in my yard, both times during migration. According to the range maps (and the experts) northern NJ is in their breeding range, but I've never been fortunate enough to get them here. So, imagine my surprise when I looked out this morning to see FIVE of them at the feeders! Immediately went into super-stealth-blip-mode and crept through the living room and out onto the patio with Big Daddy clutched in hand. Turns out that the grosbeaks aren't particularly wary of humans and I was able to approach within about 15 feet. All that stealthy creeping for nothing!

In addition to the grosbeaks, I am still blessed with 4 gorgeous male Baltimore Orioles. They have been visiting the suet and orange halves throughout the day. And it you don't think it is thrilling to look out and see four bright orange birds in your yard...think again. They really are magnificent. I am hoping they'll stick around a little longer - oh, I might as well confess, I'm hoping one of the males will stay all summer and set up housekeeping with an equally lovely mate. I've stocked up on oranges and I'm ready for anything.

The big news of the day was that I saw my first female ruby-throat today! She zoomed up to the feeder while I was on the patio, had a long drink, then flew to the cherry tree ... where P-Hummie immediately launched into his high-speed Dive Display! The male hummingbirds don't sing to court their mates, rather they do a high-speed u-shaped flight over the perched female. The arc of the flight is 40-50 feet and speeds reach 40MPH (60KPH). Female hummingbirds usually migrate a week or so later than the males, giving the males time to establish a good territory before they arrive and breed.

And speaking of hummingbirds ... thank you all for the hearts, stars and favs on little P-Hummie yesterday. You send the little guy to the top of the Spotlight Page which was quite thrilling and a bit humbling. As most of you know, I'm completely smitten with the hummingbirds, so I hope you don't get sick and tired of seeing them ... because there are going to be a lot of hummer blips this summer...

If you've an interest, I've posted six other pics on Flickr, starting HERE.

Painting in the living room has commenced. Hubs is painting the ceiling - something I can't do because it whacks my equilibrium and I fall over. That's my story and I'm sticking to it... Lest you think I've been slacking off, though - I did start sorting through the kitchen cupboards and pantry. An onerous job but one that I need to do!

Hoping you all have a great Saturday...

Debbi