No, the subject heading is not a typo, nor do you need to adjust your monitors - since April 29th my mother-in-law has gone through 149 pounds of sugar feeding her hummers this year!  She has 3 - 1 quart feeders which she was filling 2 times every day!  Getting a count is almost impossible, but I'd venture to say that she's had 2-3 dozen of these little jeweled beauties visiting her feeders. We live across the road from her and have enjoyed our fare share of hummers as well. She's fairly certain that she will exceed the 150 pound mark this year- a definite record for her! Her summer average is around 100 pounds each year, although a couple of summers she used only about 90 or so pounds.  

Also of note the past few days - Saturday morning I awoke about 6:15 a.m. to the lively call of a whip-poor-will! I've only heard one, one or two other times in the 14 years we've lived here.  My MIL told me today that she heard one yesterday morning, as well. This evening while tending our small flock of sheep, I saw 3 nighthawks soaring through the sky. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to stay out and watch for any further activity. 

Last weekend took us to a friend's house on TR 464 and CR 22.  There are several ponds located at this junction, but unfortunately all were filled - great for ducks, not for shorebirds much to my disappointment.  All was not lost, however, as I saw 1 adult and 2 juvenile red-headed woodpeckers. We found a 3rd juvenile dead in the yard where the neck seemed to be broken.  Three great egrets made an appearance and landed at one of the corner ponds.  A bald eagle came from the southwest and soared low for some great looks.  Another possible eagle (it was quite large but in the distance) hovered, then disappeared behind a treeline. 

Although the gas prices have been a factor in keeping me from birding "out and about", a positive has been the decision to quit mowing/weed eating our creek bank. Not only has it been a time saver (who likes to mow?), but it created a wonderful haven for a variety of summer visitors.  I was able to see up close and personal both male & female scarlet tanagers, some good looks at the elusive common yellowthroat (I hear them all the time, but rarely see them at home!) red-eyed vireos, yellow warblers and a number of other great birds.  There's nothing like sitting outside in the early morning with a cup of coffee, your binoculars and a symphony of birds calling all around you. 

Happy birding all! 

Michele Skolmutch, western Holmes County, between Nashville and Glenmont. 

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