Hungry, hungry birds....

I'm walking through the grocery store carrying twenty pounds of pure white, granulated sugar, and as Elizabeth and I approach the check-out counter with our purchase, we're met with a quizzical look and a raised eyebrow from our favorite checker. She's a friendly, efficient type, who always greets us with a smile and conversation as her fingers fly over the keys of the register. Today, however, it's easy to see that she has something she wants to ask, but is hesitant to say anything.

Being the ever observant one, I blurt out, "It's for the hummers". Again, the quizzical look, so I add "The sugar, it's for the hummers". You see, it's the third or fourth time this summer that we've checked out of there with twenty pounds of sugar, and I suspected that she was dying to know what in the world two people were doing that would require 60-80 pounds of sugar. "Oh" was all she had to say in response. I think I detected a subtle hint of disbelief, but it's hard to be sure.

But, rest assured that virtually all of that sugar was mixed with water and fed to the most voracious little birds on the planet. Every morning, either my wife or I check the multitude of hummingbird feeders hanging outside the dining room window, then proceed to mix three or four quarts of sugar water to refill those that are empty. Most mornings every feeder is empty or nearly so.

Several years ago, when we first built this house, before any landscaping was done, or flowers planted, we noticed hummers hovering outside this very window. It was almost as though they had been waiting for us to move in and take care of them. Immediately, there was a mad dash for the packing box that contained the bird feeders so we could encourage them to stay.
Well, not only did those few hummers stay, they went forth and multiplied. It's impossible to know how many hummers are on the dole at our house, but it would be a safe bet to say it's several dozen.

We are avid birders, and have bird feeders and houses of every possible variety scattered over our acreage. It's a fascinating hobby, watching the feeding and nesting habits of the purple martins, bluebirds, wrens, goldfinch, etc. But, it's the hummingbirds that are the most fascinating of all as they flit about, hover at the feeders, and fight each other for a spot at the trough. At times we've stood there, feeder in hand, and had the little boogers start feeding before we even hung it on the hook.

In the words of my grandson, they are "hungry, hungry birds drinking their water". I think he meant to say "hummingbirds drinking their water", but maybe his description is even more accurate, proving once again...What do I know?