Category Archives: Ruby-throated hummingbird

PLEASE JOIN ME AT THE MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR “THE HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN!”

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HELLO FRIENDS!

Please join me Wednesday evening, April 20th, at 6:30pm for “The Hummingbird Garden” virtual lecture and slideshow. We’ll talk about how to create a beautiful hummingbird habitat and how to be good stewards of the tender tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Massachusetts smallest breeding bird. We’ll also touch on hummingbirds found in other parts of North America.

I have a full schedule of lectures and program this upcoming week for Earth Day week (Earth Day is Friday, April 22nd). On Tuesday I will be screening Beauty on the Wing in Quebec and screening again later in the week in Connecticut (all virtual presentations!). The public is invited to the Mass Hort presentation, but I am not sure about the screenings. Please email at kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com if you would like to attend and I will find out more.

GOOD MORNING MAMA IN THE HIBISCUS!

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Last spring I picked up a pair of braided Chinese Hibiscus topiaries (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) at Stop and Shop. The foliage was crushed and bedraggled but the shapes were lovely so I took a chance. I sure am happy with my decision! These two five foot beauties throw us big blowsy blooms everyday, at least one, and sometimes five or six at a time.

I went with the straight red for maximum Ruby-throated Hummingbird attracting potential and it has worked like a charm. Mama and the kids never fail to stop at the Hibiscus when making their daily rounds throughout the garden.  As I was walking (more like walk-hobbling) down the garden path, just finishing up photographing Monarchs in the Joe-pye, I was finally able to snap a photo of her at the Hibiscus! And also at our little window feeder, purchased with Charlotte in mind. The RTHummingbirds don’t seem to like this feeder as much as the free hanging feeders. Any movement inside startles them but doesn’t it look like she is peering into the window to see if anyone is home?

HUMMINGBIRD USES HER TINY TOES TO CLEAN HER BILL!

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As has been the case for many summers (ever since we first planted Cardinal Climber), we have had a Mama Ruby-throated Hummingbird nesting nearby. I have looked and looked for the nest, but our garden is a bit of a jungle and I don’t have any real hopes of finding her half-walnut shell sized nest; it’s just fun to look.

This past week her two young fledglings have been joining her at the feeders and special flowers planted just for them. The youngsters are more playful than the Mama and give chase to each other. I wish I could get a snapshot of all three but am happy with what I can get.

One of the three perched in the pear tree several days ago and proceeded to giver herself a thorough grooming from tip to toe.

She first floofed and fluffed.

 

Then rubbed both sides of her bill, back and forth, against the gnarly rough bark of the pear tree.

Then used her tiny mouse-sized toes to clean her bill from the base to the tip!

Lastly, she used her toes to arrange (or scratch) her neck feathers.

All floofed and ready for action

GOOD NEWS CAPE ANN! – EPISODE 5

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Good News Cape Ann! – Episode #5

 Sounds of Cape Ann, fog horn, songbirds, boats

Red-winged Blackbird singing across the marsh and calling to his mate in the reeds below.

Musing over name of show-  Good News Cape Ann, Finding Hope, my friend Loren suggested Beauty of Cape Ann, and husband Tom suggests Coastal Currents – what do you think?

Loren Doucette beautiful pastels and paintings. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Castaways gift certificate

Fishermans Wharf Gloucester now also selling lobsters in addition to scallops, haddock, and flounder. Our son made a fabulous scallop ceviche this week, so easy and delicious.

Cedar Waxwings, Hummingbird, Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Baltimore Orioles, and Palm Warbler

Mini tutorial on how to plant a hummingbird garden

TWO MONARCH CONTORVERSIES! Is it okay to raise Monarchs at home? What is the problem with Butterfly Bushes?

Jesse Cook new release “One World One Voice”

Beautiful Piping Plover courtship footage – Piping Plovers in the field, what are they doing right now?

Charlotte stops by.

Take care and be well <3

Alex’s Scallop Ceviche Recipe

1 lb. sea scallops completely submerged in fresh lime juice

Dice 1/2 large white onion. Soak in a bowl with ice water to the reduce bitterness.

Dice 1 garden fresh tomato, 1 jalapeño, and cilantro to taste

Strain the onions.

Strain scallops but leave 1/4 of the lime juice.

Gently fold all ingredients. Add cubed avocado just prior to serving.