Wood Warblers This Winter of 2018 has been long and cold and quiet. It is nearly April and I long for the return of our songbirds, especially the Wood Warblers. The first green shoots of snowdrops have begun to push through the thawing crusty soil. Sugar maples are tapped and the sap has been flowing for awhile now. Steam is streaming out of sugar shacks throughout the countryside. On warmer days our year-round birds are singing. Robins and White-throated Sparrows are turning over … [Read more...] about Songbirds of 2017 ~ Wood Warblers
Returning Spring and Songbirds
Today was a happy day in the garden enjoying the returning Spring and songbirds. And I am elated to add a new species to my pages here under Wildlife. I now have 75 species of birds featured with vivid photographs and listed by family on my website. I had wished for years to see this bright and striking Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) in the gardens. I did today!! I hope he will entice a mate to come and join him with his sweet zippy song. And that the songbirds will have a … [Read more...] about Returning Spring and Songbirds
Jamaican Mango Hummingbird
Jamaican Hummingbird ~ Part TwoThe little Jamaican Mango hummingbird is endemic to Jamaica. He was a frequent visitor to the hibiscus bush below my balcony.The warm sunny days along with bright colorful flowers, butterflies and birds were a treat during the coldest winter months, when I would usually be enjoying the snowy weather in New England. My beloved resident hummers and other passerines here at Flower Hill Farm might blush from the subtle beauty of this delicate tropical … [Read more...] about Jamaican Mango Hummingbird
A Jamaican Getaway ~ Hummingbirds
Absent I promised myself I would not let August slip away without writing a post on this blog. A year and a few hummingbirds have flown by since I clicked the publish button. I spent from September 2015 till the end of April 2016 traveling and having a sabbatical of sorts. It was important for me to take a break from all the work involved in running my retreat. I was able to meditate, spend time with my family in the south, and visit Jamaica during January, February and the first week … [Read more...] about A Jamaican Getaway ~ Hummingbirds
Veery Unexpected Sighting and Summer Song
I am not usually there, standing on the upstairs balcony next to the rock maples that loom over the southern side of the farmhouse keeping it cool during the hot days of summer. Recently, while doing laundry for the upstairs apartment, I stepped out to take a break and survey the gardens. I had planned to do so that morning when I went up and took my camera "just in case," I always tell myself. Well, I was ecstatic being prepared for the unexpected sighting of a singing Veery.Veeries had been … [Read more...] about Veery Unexpected Sighting and Summer Song
