Finally! A ruby-throat!
Not that all the hummingbirds that visit my balcony aren't Ruby Throated Hummingbirds but only the mature males have the actual red throat and until this morning I'd never seen one!
I was out tipping excess water out of the plants because it rained pretty constantly - and sometimes pretty darn hard - for over 24 hours. It's been over 12 hours since it last rained but it's still pretty soggy out. So I was bent over, pulling a few stray weeds from a pot when I heard the distinctive whirring. I looked up and nearly eye level with me on the other side of the railing, about a foot away, was an enchanting little rub-throated gem. So pretty! He didn't seem to mind me but just flew directly above me for a sip of nectar. Then he flew up and perched on the tip of a tomato stake and twittered at me for a moment before flying away.
Thank god those ugly, noisy brown grackles have calmed down. I think they were nesting in the trees over the back fence and decided that activity on the same level as their nests - though yards away - was a threat. Whenever Phouka or myself were out on the balcony they'd perch on the lines just off the balcony and make continual, un-melodious sounds until we went in. So annoying. I can't stand it when they mob the bird feeder in the winter. I know, all God's creatures, yadda yadda yadda, but they always roam in flocks and they're bullies. They drive away the other birds.
So I finally have the balcony the way I want it and the sun should actually be out this afternoon and I'll get pictures and get them posted. with an update. I had my first cucumber last week. It wasn't as good as the ones I grew last year but still far superior to anything I can get in the store. And in a couple of days I should get my first tomato. It's a little small, about the size of a tennis ball, but the first ones usually are.
Well, I have a plasma appointment in a little over an hour (I didn't go at all last week) and then a trip to the library and grocery store. I have to remember to stop by Pet Smart. I've decided to get Phouka used to a harness and a leash so I can take him outside since he's been trying for the door whenever it's open. The small dog harness I got from Walmart, which I was afraid would be too small, turned out to be just barely big enough - not suitable for movement. The next larger size is made of bigger straps that would be too heavy and we don't carry cat harnesses! It's feline discrimination! So, off to Pet Smart.
And it's getting lighter and lighter outside. The sun might actually be out by the time I leave and certainly by the time I get out of the plasma place. I actually had to close up the apartment last night because it dipped down into the 50s. I do like this cooler weather but my plants are crying out for the sun and a little heat again.
I was out tipping excess water out of the plants because it rained pretty constantly - and sometimes pretty darn hard - for over 24 hours. It's been over 12 hours since it last rained but it's still pretty soggy out. So I was bent over, pulling a few stray weeds from a pot when I heard the distinctive whirring. I looked up and nearly eye level with me on the other side of the railing, about a foot away, was an enchanting little rub-throated gem. So pretty! He didn't seem to mind me but just flew directly above me for a sip of nectar. Then he flew up and perched on the tip of a tomato stake and twittered at me for a moment before flying away.
Thank god those ugly, noisy brown grackles have calmed down. I think they were nesting in the trees over the back fence and decided that activity on the same level as their nests - though yards away - was a threat. Whenever Phouka or myself were out on the balcony they'd perch on the lines just off the balcony and make continual, un-melodious sounds until we went in. So annoying. I can't stand it when they mob the bird feeder in the winter. I know, all God's creatures, yadda yadda yadda, but they always roam in flocks and they're bullies. They drive away the other birds.
So I finally have the balcony the way I want it and the sun should actually be out this afternoon and I'll get pictures and get them posted. with an update. I had my first cucumber last week. It wasn't as good as the ones I grew last year but still far superior to anything I can get in the store. And in a couple of days I should get my first tomato. It's a little small, about the size of a tennis ball, but the first ones usually are.
Well, I have a plasma appointment in a little over an hour (I didn't go at all last week) and then a trip to the library and grocery store. I have to remember to stop by Pet Smart. I've decided to get Phouka used to a harness and a leash so I can take him outside since he's been trying for the door whenever it's open. The small dog harness I got from Walmart, which I was afraid would be too small, turned out to be just barely big enough - not suitable for movement. The next larger size is made of bigger straps that would be too heavy and we don't carry cat harnesses! It's feline discrimination! So, off to Pet Smart.
And it's getting lighter and lighter outside. The sun might actually be out by the time I leave and certainly by the time I get out of the plasma place. I actually had to close up the apartment last night because it dipped down into the 50s. I do like this cooler weather but my plants are crying out for the sun and a little heat again.