Spring is finally here (I think) at least around here!

The 15th was hopefully the last frost but as a precautionary measure I waited until the 17th to start planting anything. On the 17th I planted the begonias in the stumps left by the two Norway Spruce I had recently felled, and put in the Marigolds around them. But it still wasn't officially spring in my book.

Then on the 19th one of my little friends stopped and hovered in front of me and let out a little squeek as if to say "I'm back!" (The hummingbirds return is my indicator that it is indeed spring) I did have one feeder in place in the event of their return early (since the 13th of last month) so I quickly went and prepared another small batch of nectar and cleaned that one feeder, but set out a total of two.

He seems happy enough, but I have seen him sitting at the feeder, take a drink, and then look off into the distance as if he is expecting his female counterparts to show. So far, as of this post, he is still alone. I hope his friends show up soon so the fun can begin. The war games, and mating rituals! Funny how they seem to coincide.

So spring is here, at least for this area. I have so many "need to do " projects lined up it's hard to say where I'll begin! (planting, transplanting, replacing, and repairing)

My time here may be limited to how I feel at the end of the day. Heck, I may just read without logging in, but I will be around.

 

We've had the hummers for the past 3-4 weeks here, couple of cardinals have a clutch in the rhododendron.
First time I've ever seen territorial behavior from the cardinals, as a second female was checking the bush for a suitable nesting spot the brooding female ran her off with mates in tow.

This AM I saw the first female hummer, when it gets full bore territory rights is somewhere around mid-late May

 

Yep, tis the time of year when all sorts of animals and birds pair up. Here I've seen raccoon, rabbit, and skunk chasing each other around. Then the Mockingbird, one that looks like a small road runner (not sure of the name), crows, cardinals, sparrows, and house sparrows (I hate those) all in the mood for love. I swear I heard some Barry White playing somewhere.

Another male hummer (a young one that I didn't recognize) arrived earlier this afternoon and was even at the same feeder as the other. When they took off, it was almost as if the older one was showing the youngster around. That was kind of cool! I hope I don't have to wait another 3 to 4 weeks for the females to show.

I had been anticipating their arrival using two different maps where people report their sightings. The reports were coming in from as close as 100 miles away, as well as up into Virginia. I guess altitude has a lot to do with it. I'll have to see if I can capture these two on film, picture or video!
Spring 2016 Migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
and
Hummingbird migration in the Spring and Fall through the United States, 2016 Spring Hummingbird Migration Map, migration patterns, migration times, hummingbird sightings

I went out to trim up some of the Norway Spruce branches to get them ready for firewood or kindling, and I was met by another guest. It was at least 6 to 7 inches long laying on one of the branches sunning itself. It did notice me, but I told it to wait until I could get my camera. I was almost afraid for it since the crows love to gobble them up. It waited. This one was a good 6, even 7 inches, maybe even 8 inches in length. Usually the ones I see are just a couple of inches long and not nearly as fat.

 

Believe it or not, we are supposed to be blessed with "Snow" on Monday...................

 

dang! I would have thought the snow would have been done even up into Canada! I liked your post anyway even though I hate snow! I'm really sorry y'all are getting more!

 

Glad spring is now with you Star Gazer ! It is here as well. The tulips are about ready to open any day. A couple coold nights to come this week. Around freezing. But the grass is growing and in another week and a half, or so, we will need to cut it. I will hold off as long as I can.

 

Don't feel bad, it's snowing sideways 1/2 mile up canyon of me right now. Yup, it's spring.

 

Yup! Here too! And we've got nothing but rain and dropping temps to set do it up right!

 

Last report from the "Prognosticators" now says cloudy and 30% chance of showers....................who knows....................

 

Striped Skink, usually once they get that big their heads turn a bright reddish orange.
I have them running all over the place here, they confuse the heck out of the dogs

 

I always thought they were some kind of salamander! Thanks for the ID!

(I know a couple of skanks that should have their heads painted orange for easier ID)

 

Star Gazer maybe I should move a little farther south

Those look like spring but this is my front yard right now... the lilac bush on left side is a little confused

 

Lol...We have the same here but think it is stopping now...

 

It was 80 and humid yesterday. Today 43 and a cold wind from the north east.


Guess who just started the quadrafire up?

 

They were right. Unfortunately.

 

The temperature for this area was 78 both yesterday and today. Last night it dropped to the mid 50's. That means for 2 days in a row I will not have had to fire up the stove.

Yesterday I really kind of needed it. I was out scouting around for some potential transplants from the woods, and had to cross the creek on a log. I made it over just fine, but coming back <splash> I fell in backwards. That creek sure was cold! I would have liked the fire to dry things off, especially my shoes! I did find two bushes though. One was a honeysuckle and the other I believe is a dogberry. Both are too large to transplant, but I tied a string loosely around them to kind of mark them so when I check later this spring maybe they'll have some babies I can transplant.

Today I saw my first female hummingbird. So that's a week to the day of the males arrival.