Well, finally, it is getting interesting around here. On Wed. 5/27, I heard and then spotted the Kingbirds. They have been returning here for about 6 years. They are so beautiful and fun to watch as they are flycatchers. Then this morning, I looked out to the patio and on the bird bath was a White-crowned Sparrow! We have not seen these in a couple years but we are glad they have come back.
I am presently working on the revamped version of our web site. I hope to get it done and running this weekend. It has lots of info on hummingbirds plus other points of interest. Stay tuned for the URL.
29 April 2005
19 April 2005
18 April 2005
Spring News
Well, there's never a dull moment it seems. On Saturday afternoon(4/16) we had a very severe thunderstorm move through the area, but not before a funnel cloud/tornado was spotted. It was seen south of town (ABQ) -- we live in the SOUTH valley -- and it was moving north. Luckily for us it was on the east side of the river. Apparently, it touched down once on vacant land at Kirtland AFB. It was seen passing over the city and eventually disappearing as the storm moved over the mountains. It was truly exciting for us as we don't get these very often. In fact, the NWS (weather service) only has 4 recorded tornados for ABQ since they began records here. The accompanying storm dropped hail ranging from pea-sized to nickle-sized and a lot of rain. No damage reported, but there was some flooding and a couple big power outages due to lines down. The straightline winds were about 50+ mph.
Sunday and today have been just clear and sunny, highs in the mid-70s! So, new to report today is the return of the Red-winged Blackbird. We have been fooled before by a clever Starling imitation but we know this is the real thing! We also have a second male Black-chinned Hummer who showed up on Friday. We have both the American and Lesser Goldfinches at the thistle feeder. I have some photos I will try to get posted here. There are quite a few Robins around now. Last evening we saw a Hummingbird Moth drinking from the Vinca blossoms. Wish I could have gotten his picture but he's just too fast. Hasta la vista!
Sunday and today have been just clear and sunny, highs in the mid-70s! So, new to report today is the return of the Red-winged Blackbird. We have been fooled before by a clever Starling imitation but we know this is the real thing! We also have a second male Black-chinned Hummer who showed up on Friday. We have both the American and Lesser Goldfinches at the thistle feeder. I have some photos I will try to get posted here. There are quite a few Robins around now. Last evening we saw a Hummingbird Moth drinking from the Vinca blossoms. Wish I could have gotten his picture but he's just too fast. Hasta la vista!
13 April 2005
It's Hummer Time!
At last! Our first hummingbird has arrived. Monday (4/11) just before sunset I saw a male Black-chinned Hummingbird come to the kitchen window feeder. So far, he is the only one. The males come first to stake out their territory before the females arrive. We expect to see another male show up this week or so. That's usually how it happens. We are so excited. After all, this is Rancho Colibri! I am trying to get a picture to post here but he seems to be camera-shy.
10 April 2005
Ah, Spring!
We have had the strangest Spring this year. After a week of temps in the high 60s and low 70s, today we get snow, hail and rain. The high temp today was 45!
We have been looking and listening for the Hummingbirds but, so far, none have shown up here. We can't understand this because we always get them shortly after they show up in the Heights. Maybe it's the crazy weather. Meanwhile, we have had a pair of Lesser Goldfinches at the thistle feeder this week. They have most of their color now. TTFN
We have been looking and listening for the Hummingbirds but, so far, none have shown up here. We can't understand this because we always get them shortly after they show up in the Heights. Maybe it's the crazy weather. Meanwhile, we have had a pair of Lesser Goldfinches at the thistle feeder this week. They have most of their color now. TTFN
03 April 2005
Bird Watch 2005
Well, the weather has been just beautiful this week! So, I've been outside enjoying all the new things. We seem to have an abundance of Robins scratching around the yard. The American Goldfinches have been hanging around and they are getting more yellow every day. I heard all three kinds of doves in one hour: Mourning, White-winged and the Turtle Doves. We have noticed the Roadrunner out sunning himself. There are still a few Juncos hanging around. I have heard some new bird calls that I don't recognize and have not yet spotted the birds making them. There are also a pair of fat squirrels out trying to get some birdseed treats. I have some dried cranberries out for the Robins and it drives the squirrels crazy because they can't get to them. The chickens are still laying eggs. We've already collected about six dozen. We are giving them away to friend and family.
We are on Hummingbird watch. We actually put our feeders up around St. Patrick's Day in anticipation of their early arrival. I was out getting birdseed last Thursday and the woman there said she had just gotten her first Broadtail hummer the day before (up in the Heights). They had to dig out their feeders in a hurry. So, I expect that there are hummers around here (in the Valley) but I just have not seen or heard them yet. Stay tuned.
We are on Hummingbird watch. We actually put our feeders up around St. Patrick's Day in anticipation of their early arrival. I was out getting birdseed last Thursday and the woman there said she had just gotten her first Broadtail hummer the day before (up in the Heights). They had to dig out their feeders in a hurry. So, I expect that there are hummers around here (in the Valley) but I just have not seen or heard them yet. Stay tuned.