After weeks of cold, wet and unrelenting storms — Spring arrived yesterday in the form of a calm day in the mid 60s.
I prepared a hummingbird feeder to hang in front of the kitchen window to make sure that any traveling hummingbird would find a libation upon arriving at Sontheim. And sure enough, by mid-day a ruby-throated male appeared as if by magic. He must be one of our returning hummers because he knew exactly were to find the feeder.
My heart leapt with joy as I watched a tiny green bird zoom around the corner of the house and instantly settle on the feeder’s perch were he drank deeply. Even though I missed his evening feedings, he appeared like clockwork this morning and has been visiting ever since.
Now the watch is on for the rest of the boys to arrive and eventually the girls, who should not be far behind. More feeders are waiting to be filled with sugar-water and the Shepard hooks are ready to receive them.
Sadly this year has brought no Orioles and only a few flocks of Pelicans were passing overhead. In years past the Orioles would arrive in force while great flocks of Pelicans sailed Northwest along the Mississippi river. But not this year, not this Spring that follows the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. But that is another story to be told, another issue to be considered as we all participate in the destruction of our planet earth.
Yesterday, while millions of people watched, another kind of Spring unfolded in England. There was joy in the streets of London as onlookers watched a royal pair make their way to and from Westminster Abby. They watched in fascination as two young people took their vows to become husband and wife. But more importantly, they saw their fairytale turn real. And even ardent anti-royalists voiced their opinion that Prince William and his Kate would be acceptable to take the English throne rather than the One who is next in line.
Even though royalty leaves me cold, I watched with interest and found that the lavish affair was conducted with restraint. And even more, the young couple conducted themselves with grace and dignity.
As I expected, there are many who regret the money spent and others who criticize the list of invitees. On the other hand, I was not surprised to witness the yearning for the renewal of their ancient institution that was evident in the crowds. And with a little bit of luck the English will see their beloved monarchy modernize over time.
I heard from a friend in London, that the “anti-royalists” were arrested. “Anti-royalism” is apparently against the law there.
Love the hummingbird stories. I put my feeder up this year, but haven’t been out there at the right time to see if I have any takers. Good thing, I suppose. When one comes, I can’t seem to move – waiting for the next one to arrive 😉
Hi Teresa,
English anti-royalisis and US protesters alike are no longer free to demonstrate. The public just has not caught on to that fact yet.
I just had to put up a second feeder, thank god the hummers are returning. You have to love those gutsy little guys.
I hope you get plenty of them to enjoy. 🙂
If I get plenty of them, I won’t leave the house till autumn. 😉