Monday, July 26th, 2010

The Enchanted Yard

I was going to write a blurb but then I had two blurbs so I figured it was easier to write a small blog (yes, it is possible for me to write a small one).

It's been very warm. We were in the 90s over the weekend and though the sun was out of the backyard and it was all in shade, it still felt warm. But, no matter I enjoy being out here. Maybe it helps to know I can go in to AC whenever I feel too warm.

Tonight it is a little cooler. I'm sitting on the patio catching up on the web since I've been in the office all day and have no access to Humzoo.

I went over to check and see if I could see the fish. I checked the PH and other levels yesterday and was happy to see everything seems to be in a good range for them. I got the food left by the sellers and went and sat on the pond wall. I saw a few shapes moving around so I tossed in some fish flakes. To my amazement, they actually ate it this time! And the food apparently got more fish in action. They move fast and in a lot of cover but I saw 7 distinctive fish. Maybe there are more. It's hard to gauge but I have more than the 4 I thought I had!

While I was sitting there, a goldfinch came and got a drink right across from me on the waterfall. I was maybe 2 feet away. I sat very still and watched him drink. Somehow from a distance I always thought they sipped delicately. Not this guy--he gulped water like he hadn't had any for days.

The fish settled down and I was disturbing the waterfall visits from the birds, so I went over to the table and started working on the laptop. The hummingbirds (2 for sure) come frequently and seem to have little fear of me as long as I don't walk directly at them. The two like to fly around each other--I'm not sure if it is for fun or to establish turf over the favorite feeder (there are 3 but 1 is the obvious favorite).

While I watched, one was on the feeder and the other one was hovering and buzzing around the one eating. Suddenly it came straight at me and hovered about 10 in. from my face. I couldn't figure out why and then it hit me. My water-bottle has a red cozy on the bottom of it to keep it cool and absorb the moisture. I think the little bird was checking it out due to the red color. I wouldn't be surprised if I couldn't get one of the tiny glass feeders they sell to get a hummingbird to come and feed out of your hand (well, the feeder in your hand). Truly remarkable to be nose-to-nose with a hummingbird.

Okay, guess it wasn't that short after all. Now you know why I went for a blog instead of two blurbs. :)