Drumming in the air

[deb&tony]

The sound of Spring is back... with a male Pileated calling for a mate (seems to use our property every Spring to call), Hairy Woodpeckers already paired up , Red-breasted Sapsucker staking out his tree and calling, Downey woodpeckers drumming for a mate and one lone Hybrid Flicker appears to be solo for now... all these Picidae and happily none of them are on our cedar gable ends.
Flocks of pine siskins and house finches arrived a few days ago but still no sign of the male hummers. I've noted in the past that they can arrive as early as March 17th here in my backyard and as late as the middle of April. It shouldn't be long now especially with our redflowering currants and salmonberries about to flower as well as other native plants.

Deb
Hope, BC

[fouram]

Deb, I envy you the natural attractants in the way of flowering bushes, to help bring in Hummers. Last spring/summer I did have Hummers, however, they were transients. I was happy with the ones that did show up, but would have dearly wished for resident birds. One of the drawbacks of apartment living, certainly, is not being able to do much in the way of planting attractants--again, happy with what I can get---Al

[deb&tony]

Hi Al-
Just wondering if planting a red-flowering currant and/or honeysuckle in pots near your hummer feeders would work? Also, in the summer to keep them returning, you could plant tubular flowers. In the late summer, they seem to be attracted to monarda or bee balm.
We are fortunate to have our resident birds and seasonal ones and it is a real joy to observe their behaviour.
Deb
ps I forgot to mention earlier that the number of juncos this year is incredible. There is one beautiful slate-coloured one that just grabs your attention when you see it. And this year, for the first time, they have found a way to land on the suet which means more trips to the Wild Bird Habitat store!

[tmanson]

Hi all: We have had Rufous Hummingbirds at the feeder since the beginning of the week. Seems about a week earlier than last year, but then I am retired, and maybe, I am noticing them more. Also, a first-of-season White crowned Sparrow, which also seems early. Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.

[Gord]

Wow! So many woodpeckers of different kinds! Beautiful sight. If I were a cedar gable Id be trembling! ;D