Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 22:47:05 -0500 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Dan Mullarkey Subject: SI hummers 12/10 - good and bad news Comments: To: Va Bird List MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I had much the same experience between 1 and 1:30. I saw the Rufous in Haupt Garden by the orange flowers, so I headed to Ripley Garden in hopes of finally finding the Black-chinned at the unguarded feeders. And voila, there she was, on the original feeder. Then I saw the Rufous humming around in the middle, and was pleasantly surprised that she was tolerating the Black-chinned. The Black-chinned disappeared for a bit, and I had my bins on the Rufous at the original feeder. Next thing I know they both come within an inch of impaling me! I guess the Black-chinned came back and the Rufous gave chase, but seeing them through the bins coming right at me was a bit of a wake up! Now for the bad news. The gardener in Ripley Garden mentioned that the gardener in Haupt Garden was planning to move the orange flowers inside today. I told her that the hummers were both still using them, and asked if the move could wait. She said the flower pots were costly and not winter hardy. I suggested that maybe they could remain outside until the forecast called for another freeze, and she said she'd mention it to her colleague. So if they are still outside tomorrow and you happen to see the Haupt gardener, put in a good word for our 2 young ladies. Best, Dan Mullarkey ----- Original Message ----- From: "JAMES FELLEY" > I ate my lunch in the Ripley Garden today, and both the Rufous and the > Black-chinned were present, as well as a group of birders spinning > like weather-vanes in a tornado as the hummers zoomed from one feeder > to the other. > The Rufous tolerated the Black-chinned for a bit, but then decided > enough was enough and chased her off. ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================