We saw the first hummingbird of the season today. April 7th and we have a hummer! I hurried to warm up some of the syrup we keep in the fridge and filled a feeder. Move over suet cakes, here come the hummingbird feeders!
Oh you lucky so-‘n-so !! What a thrill, and good feeling, right. I wish we had them; we have a Dutch word for them, but they do not exist here. They are such special birds. I like seeing nature films and then seeing them in slo- mo. Wow! Enjoy them, Jane.
I envy you too Jane - how I'd love to have Hummers here. I do have one though at our patio doors - pity it's made of glass though.
Logan, the hummingbirds aren't really early this year, but just a bit late. We usually get them in mid- to late March, but all the birds have been off schedule this year. Some regulars showed up late, some haven't shown up at all, and others are just lagging a bit. We simply enjoy whomever comes!
We had our first one earlier today ! Guess these are the scouts ! Also had a goldfinch yesterday at the water bowl ! They are not too common here !
Loggie, you won’t be seeing any goldfinches like they have in North America. What we know as a goldfinch over here is a different-looking bird altogether. Spinus tristis vs Carduelis carduelis. On this side of the Channel, for we don’t call them goldfinches, we call them putters. So, we don’t have this problem over here....or do we? Just when you thought this was going to end, there is one more twist: there is the goudvink here. Goudvink literally translates to, (you guessed it) goldhinch. Its Latin name is Pyrrhula pyrrhula, or bullfinch. I know Loggie, I know— way more info than you need or want. Chuckle. Still, if you look up images of these three birds, you will see that they all look quite different.
I know now that I am speaking of a different bird species, but the American goldfinch has hardly been seen this winter. Not just at my house, but in several towns around us. Don't know why. They did show up several times, en masse, then disappeared again. @Jerry Sullivan did you find this to be true where you are? We've had plenty of house finches.
We had two male house finches at the feeder this morning. We usually have quite a few, but as Mart said, perhaps these were scouts. We get goldfinches, not in flocks but a few at a time. Lovely little birds! Anyone want two very persistent barn swallows? If so, I'll gladly net and ship!
The most common type of finch where I live is the common chaffinch. There are always some in the lottie, but this year I had not seen any until whilst on one of my famous breaks, I used my fone to look up and play their call. It was moments and two appeared chirping their typical chirp. So then, there are at least two present—far fewer than what I see and hear each year. Well it must be noted that avian flu has been identified in our country this spring and hundreds of chickens have been slaughtered.
A few goldfinches have appeared but house finches are in the majority. The house finches have selected their nesting sight for this season, nest building is questionable. I will put out some string to see what happens. Mr. and Mrs, Robin continue their yard patrol eating the occasional bug or unfortunate worm. They have not picked the same sight as last year, yet. I hope not as last years two nests were within 4 feet of our side entrance. Jerry
