Resting...

 

I worked Tuesday and because I still have a cold, I pretty much sacked out when we got back home. Sorry I missed a post for yesterday. 

I spent part of the day at the computer, but my head really wasn't in it. I did prep a package to mail out one of the brooches that was purchased, but I mostly rested. 

Andy brought more hickory nutshells down from the fall harvest, so hickory syrup will definitely be in my future. That's for another day though.

While im sitting here conserving energy, all the birds that flew south for the winter are making their way back north. I want to be ready for them, so im planning to scrub all the feeders this week. The temps will reach into the sixties, so it's the perfect time to get ready for their return. 

Im also going to buy a couple new birdhouses for the bluebirds, and one or two wren houses. I think the Compass Barn could use one or two on the east wall. I want to have a nice welcome buffet for them when they arrive.

I'll be back at the computer today, too. I want to activate my sale by the weekend. Coffee and computer. See you later!

        

A New Week...

Apple Blossoms @ Hickory Hill Farm

I hope everyone had a restful weekend. I actually did much more than I originally intended, as there were multiple tasks that needed to be accomplished around the farmhouse. I did manage to get a little rest in, too.

Great news! Over the weekend, the hummingbirds have returned to the farmhouse (and I had the feeders waiting for them!), and yesterday I saw a stunning indigo bunting. The Baltimore orioles are pigging out on the grape jam in the feeder, and I put out a fresh orange for them, too.  I moved a few more hooks closer to the apple tree and filled those with goodies for the blue jays, cardinals, red wing blackbirds, cowbirds, woodpeckers, sparrows, gold and purple finches, and bluebirds. Handsome's aerial acrobats, the barn swallows are back and patrolling the yard again much to our delight. It really is a flashy feather show around here these days!

I have two more weeks (at this point) of extra hours, so I'll be at work today, tomorrow and a full day on Friday. I'll be glad when they finally hire some reliable folks to take the hours off me. I have pursuits I'd much rather be doing here. 

I have to go now, but I'll try to keep up with the home things I love so much, to make sure you have something more interesting to read than my work schedule. I'll be back tomorrow. See you then!

"Baltimorioles"...

 

 

They sit in line and wait their turn. Shortly before I snapped this photograph, both boys were waiting for a little sparrow to finish his snack. It's a treat for Handsome and me to watch them flit in and away from the feeders all day. Each one's coloring is just a bit different from the others, but there's no mistaking that orange flash when they're flying around in the yard. 

The hollyhocks have begun to open so I'll be sharing images of all their colorful blossoms very soon. The hummingbirds love feeding from them, so I hope to catch a few special photos of them feeding, too.

Wishing you a lovely Friday, as another week quickly comes to an end. Wishing my mum a happy 86th Birthday, too. Lots going on today, so I'd better get going. I'll tell you all about it very soon.

Change of Plans...

Feeding The Birds

I'd originally planned to be on my way to another craft day with my dear friends in Portage today. Plans changed last night when I got a message saying there were some sick kiddos at the hosts home. Better to take care of babies instead of crafting, to be sure.

That means I'm going to get another full day to work on the petit point canvas I showed to you yesterday. It appears that most comments on my post yesterday are leaning either to black or blue. So, I'm going to do a little of each on the canvas and see which one I like best. (These were both my choices, too, by the way.)

I'm sharing this photograph today from last weekend. After the snowstorm, Otis Redding (the name I gave the little black opossum who visited this area before the snowstorm) moved into the Compass Barn with Claudette and Crystal, and the birds were looking for food. I filled their feeders, and it didn't take long for the word to get out. He hasn't left all week. Otis has taken over Crystal's bed, and during the day, he snores away while Crystal and Claudette snooze right above him in the southern exposure window (in the sunshine).  

Not only were these red-wing blackbirds happy to see the smorgasbord, but cardinals, bluejays, morning doves, chickadees, purple finches, nuthatches, and woodpeckers (two different varieties) showed up, too! We also have two large crows that show up a few times every day. I've taken to calling them Heckle and Jeckle (for those too young to know, they were cartoon characters from my childhood).

Had we kept craft day for today, I would have left home by 7:30 am. Instead, I could sleep a little later, and devote my entire day to working on my needlepoint piece....as soon as I feed my barn girls (and Otis). Time to go...

Incoming...

Brynwood Needleworks - House Finches

I don't know whether or not you enjoy birdwatching, but it's become a favorite pastime of mine since we moved to the farmhouse. It doesn't matter the season, there are always beautiful, feathered friends to watch and enjoy.

I've been keeping the feeders full since the temperatures dropped and more snow fell over the past few days. The snow makes it more difficult for them to find food, so I help.

These pretty house finches usually come in pairs, but yesterday, they came in groups to eat their fill.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Taking Care of the Little Birds

 

They don't have to worry. There's plenty for everyone. I fill these two feeders near the kitchen window, and am rewarded with a closeup view of these feathered gems, but I also fill four larger feeders near the old apple tree. I trudge through sometimes deep snow so they can reserve their energy for keeping warm. 

 

While these finches were eating here, cardinals, crows, juncos, blue jays, woodpeckers, and mourning doves ate their fill at the larger feeders. (I also put peanuts in the shell over there, which are a favorite of the crows, jays, and odd squirrels).

 

I'll keep doing this until the last snowstorm of the season...usually into late March. It's my gift to them for the joy they bring to the farm.

A Little Tablescaping...

Brynwood Needleworks - Feathers and Stick

 

I played around with a little tablescaping yesterday. I've been collecting these feathers since we moved to the farmhouse. I liked this interesting stick, and I added a butterfly I found on the driveway early this summer. They've been displayed in a little, oval ironstone bowl since I started, but I decided they should be on view.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Birding Books

 

I have two antique bird books, too. One is for identifying bird eggs, and the one on top is for identifying bird eggs and nests. 

 

Dad collected one of the hawk feathers, and before I left his house the day he died, I safely tucked it into my bag to bring home. He taught me to love the outdoors, so it's appropriate that he be represented here, too. I even have a broken egg I found last spring. I haven't identified it for sure yet. It's a very pale blue and the right size, but I don't think it's a robin's egg. Good thing I have these books. I'll be able to look it up so I'll know for sure.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Curio Table

 

The glass lid lifts on a hinge, so I carefully propped it up and started arranging all the bird items inside. Once everything was arranged, the glass lowered to protect the contents.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Feathers Under Glass

 

The final touch was to add another of Tom Beardsley's lifelike carvings - a woodcock - on top to complete my birdy theme. I think the only thing I'm missing is a bird's nest...and I think I have one out in the potting shed. I'll have to check. I really think Handsome is going to like this one.

Hummingbird Haven...

Brynwood Needleworks - Five of Seven Hummers

 

September, 2020 will mark the fourth anniversary of us owning Hickory Hill Farm. Since 2017, I have been putting out hummingbird feeders with homemade nectar. That first year, I put out six feeders, and changed out the nectar every week. We had two hummingbirds visit them.

This year, I've put out three feeders, all in close proximity. Until Wednesday night, I'd seen four hummingbirds, who flittered in and out of the "feeding zone" outside our kitchen windows. If you're a hummingbird watcher/feeder, you know that they can often be little bullies, chasing each other off the feeders, but usually, they manage to co-exist when there are multiple places to eat.

On Wednesday, we were watching the skies as storms started rolling in. We knew they were going to bring a lot of wind and rain. You can imagine my sheer delight, as I watched not four, not five, or even six, but seven little hummingbirds come in together to fill their bellies before the storm!

Handsome (who you may remember is a retired professional photographer) challenged me to catch all of them in one image. Of course, I'm not one to shy away from a challenge, but sadly, I only managed to capture five at one time before the rains dispersed them.

Brynwood Needleworks - Five, Coming In For Food

In my feeble defense, those little bugs are fast! Not only were they concentrating on getting to the feeders (this one seemed to be their favorite), but they also were trying to chase off the others. They also went up to the two feeders I have hanging in the soffit near the main porch entry.

Brynwood Needleworks - Hungry Hummers

Only now, as I edited and am writing this post, do I realize that all the hummingbirds in these images are females (ruby-throated females). The boys must have been the other two zipping in and out of frame - and eating at the upper feeders. Their harems were content to sit at the same buffet.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Busy Little Bugs

 

I can't tell you how delighted I was to even see all of them at the feeders! Catching this many together in my photographs was pure serendipity (and a lot of luck). I've been watching the feeders ever since, hoping to get another chance to capture more multiples. You'll notice the empty hook. I think I'll add one more feeder, and maybe increase my chances. 

By the way, for those of you who might be interested...I make my own nectar, so I thought I'd share the recipe I use. 

 

Hummingbird Nectar

 

Let me say that the old recommendations were to use a 4:1 ration of water to sugar. Research showed that the calculation being used didn't take into consideration that the sugar was a solid, not an equal composition to the water. When the difference was recalculated, it was determined that a 3:1 ratio of water to sugar more closely replicated the nectar produced by flowers. That's the ratio I use when making my nectar.

 

In a saucepan, combine: 

3 c. spring water 

1 c. pure cane sugar. (MUST be cane sugar. If it's not marked "pure cane sugar", it's likely made from beets, which makes hummers sick. I don't skimp on the price of the sugar, so I do pay more for pure cane sugar) 

Stir together and bring the mixture to a boil to remove any bacteria. Remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature before filling the feeders. (I actually put the pan containing the nectar into a sink, filled with cold water to bring down the temperature of the nectar.)

Any nectar left over after filling your feeders can be kept in the refrigerator. Bring to room temp. before filling feeders.

***I empty and clean the feeders once a week unless it's really hot outside, and then I do it more often. Otherwise, the feeders can develop mold, which can kill hummingbirds. As you can see, I don't use any dyes in my nectar. It's not necessary.

I also plant hummingbird, butterfly, and bee-friendly plants, but my feeders stay out to augment what they can eat from my flowers. I also have a small (I mean tiny - it's a little dish used for soy sauce) dish that I place in my birdbath to fill with grape jelly. Not only will the bees eat from it, but I've seen the hummers tasting it, too. 

 

My birdbath has one section of clear glass stones to help the bees and butterflies get a drink of water without drowning. I also clean out my birdbaths as needed, and on especially hot days, I add ice to help keep the water cool. Getting a solar fountain is on my wish list, so they have moving water.

I thought I'd share that information, because I think everything contributes to what attracts the hummingbirds to our yard. I'll continue to install plants that will help draw them to the gardens. These are just a few of the aspects of our home that make it a true haven for us.

Red Bird To The Rescue...

Brynwood Needleworks - Red Birds

I hadn't planned to show any photographs of my unfinished quilt until the top was done, but I thought you might appreciate a "let's keep it real" post.

I decided that I needed to add some more needlework detail to the green leaves in the block shown above. It's the block that has the sheep and red bird with a basket. This is the post that shows the whole "finished" block (HERE). I thought the leaves were just too simple, so I added bouillon knots in opposite colored threads, down the centers of each leaf.

Brynwood Needleworks - The Unfortunate Discovery

 

Imagine my dismay when I saw that there was a hole in the sashing above the sheepy block! It isn't a cut, and I guess this is what happens when you set a project aside for too long. I don't know how it happened, I just know it was there. Now, what to do?

 

Look back at the first photograph to find my solution. I decided that another red bird would be a perfect coverup for the damage. So, as soon as I completed the leaves, I pulled more red wool and made another little bird. 

 

Of course, doing the hand embroidery which is now in the middle of a large-ish quilt isn't exactly convenient, but I'm making it work. I'll complete that today, along with the other applique' work I've yet to do, and then I'll share the finish.

 

I just wanted you to see that, if we get creative, we can always come up with an elegant fix for a problem. I think this one is actually going to be a happy addition to my quilt!

Dad's Birds...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dad's Birds

 

My love of the outdoors was forged at an early age, spending time with my Dad. He always loved to hunt, and provided many meals for his small family when times were lean. As I grew up, I learned about how to forage, what was safe and what was not, and more about the natural world in southeastern Wisconsin from him.

Dad retired as an educator in the school system about ten miles from where Handsome and I now live, and when I was a pre-teen, he taught outdoor summer science courses. My best friend, Cyd and I took those classes for a few summers. They were glorious days in my memory, as we trudged through marshlands, up glacial formations, and into woodlands behind him and the other instructors in the group. We learned about native wildlife and birds, and their habitats.

Years later, Dad's influence on Cyd inspired her college studies into outdoor education, where she eventually led groups of college students into Puerto Rican rain forests, and sailing forays to faraway places. His influence on me, led me to teaching other young people and adults about the outdoors, as well, and then becoming a representative in a state legislated organization to help protect Wisconsin's natural resources and hunting/fishing/outdoor heritage. He's had a profound influence on both our lives.

Dad doesn't get outdoors much these days. He has trouble walking more than short distances, so my sister set up a bird feeding station outside his bedroom window. From there he can see birds, squirrels and other critters who come to visit.

Yesterday, I sat with him as we talked about family memories and ancestors. As we spoke, we also watched the feeders together...something we both enjoy. We chuckled watching the red squirrel doing gymnastics as it worked its way to the bird feeder, and Dad pointed out the cardinals, blue jay and finches. Then, he said, "Look, Donnie! (his nickname for me) There's a red-breasted grosbeak!" I'd never seen one outside a birding book or in pieces of wildlife art. We sat together, watching as it took seed from the suet my sister had put out. Such a beautiful bird, and a gift the two of us could share.

I told Dad about the indigo buntings that will soon come to our feeders, along with the current lineup of birds that visit every year - including the bluebirds that have, again, returned to the farmhouse. I told him that, even though I've had feeders out, the hummingbirds had yet to appear.

Before I headed home, Handsome sent a text to me. It read like a Western Union telegram, 

"Breaking news!! St. Cloud, 3:15 pm. Hummingbird on feeder. That is all. --------------------30---------------------"

The perfect message to come on the day I visited Dad this week. We finished our visit at about 4:30. I could see Dad was getting tired. I gave him a kiss and told him I see him again soon. I smiled all the way home. It was a perfectly wonderful day.

"Snowloween"...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella, Snow Dog

 

We woke up yesterday to a wild snowstorm. It got heavier and continued most of the day, dropping a few inches of snow over that time. The wind was blowing, so it caused significant drifting in front of our big barn. Apparently, Autumn decided to dress as Winter for Halloween. She did a stellar job, too!

Bella was intrigued by the weather, and believe me, she really wanted to run around when we took her out in the yard. She scoped the whole yard, hunting for squirrels, or other critters looking for something to eat. (I left all the hickory nuts for the squirrels and chipmunks this year.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow At The Farmhouse

It was beautiful to look at, but it was really cold once we got outside. Handsome and I were toasty, all bundled up, as we got the tractor out of the barn and moved some of the drifts. I also took the shovel to the porch for the first time. (Reminder: Start at the top of the steps. Don't work up from the bottom. lol)

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow Birds

The birds were all fluffed up, foraging and eating at the feeders, which they quickly emptied. Once our road was plowed, we headed to Fleet Farm and bought big bags of feed that will help the birds through this wintry surprise. Before the end of the day, we went around and refilled all the feeders, and I made sure the one I left in the Compass Barn for the opossums was filled, in case Fuzzy Butt and his friends show up soon.

We don't know if this snow is going to hang around, but we're planning that it will. That means, I'm staying inside to sew, and going out only to make sure the feeders are filled. So October 31, 2019 is now in the books as the first "Snowloween" since I was a kid. Talk about a really chiller!

Oh, my gosh!!!! It's NOVEMBER 1ST!!! I'd better get busy. I have a big craft fair event on November 24th. I've got a 10' x 10' booth to fill. Grab my sewing machine. Today, I flyyyyyy!

Keeping Track...

Brynwood Needleworks - Nature Journal

 

I love watching and feeding the birds that visit the farm every day. I've taken photographs with my iPhone and my "real" camera, and I can sit in the kitchen chronicling their visits to the feeders for hours on end. I also sat on the floor in the dining room, watching raccoons, oppossums, and even stray cats during the winter.

Handsome said, "I'm surprised you don't keep a journal of all the different birds that stop in every day." It got me thinking. After our conversation, I made a side trip when I had to be in town. I picked up a nice, inexpensive journal notebook to do just that. It has nice paper inside, and a soft, suede-like cover on the outside.

 

I'm not an artist with pencil or pens, however, I'm going to make an attempt to sketch now and then. I'm also making note of daily temperatures, what's growing on the farm, and furry visitors, too.

I began mid-April, noting the first bluebird that arrived, and have even had to look up a few birds that I couldn't definitively identify. (That part's been really fun for me.) I noticed a darker version of the Baltimore Oriole, and now know that it's an Orchard Oriole. Likewise with little birds that I thought were common sparrows with redder heads. Well, those are actually Chipping Sparrows. I've also identified the larger White Crowned Sparrows. Can you tell I'm having fun?

I may also use the pages of the book to press flowers that grow wild here...the tiny violets that peek out of our lawn, and an as-yet-unidentified purple flower that spreads like wildfire around the compass barn. I'm thinking it may be a wild oregano (that's what it smells like when I mow), but I'm still working on a positive ID.

The gorgeous irridescent feather that you see in the picture is from a wild turkey. In the light, it actually changes color from the green you see to a reddish-brown. It's truly beautiful. I'll be adding this to the pages of my book, too, along with the bluejay and other feathers I've found near the feeders.

My book won't be like my blog posts with daily entries, but I will keep track of the milestones here at the farm that bring joy to my soul. I'm looking forward to filling the pages. 

Have you ever done anything like this? Can you draw? What do you write within the pages (just vaguely, not anything specific)? I'd love to know.

My Good Deed Yesterday...

f

Farmhouse "Drive Thru" Bird Feeder

This is my "non-hummingbird" feeder, located in my kitchen garden. I fill it with birdseed blocks that fit two-up, and are a mixture of seeds and grubs, which appeal to multiple bird species. I first put it up during our late spring snowstorm, and have kept it filled ever since.

Lately the birds have been emptying it quickly. I also have a chipmunk who climbs up the raccoon carving right under it, and then jumps into the feeder to fill his cheeks before running off. They'll surely have the feeder empty again late today, and I'll refill it for them. I love watching them when they visit.

Bird Feeder Opening

I went outside today, and heard a fluttering in the garden. When I turned around, a sparrow was stuck in the feeder. In an effort to get closer to the seeds, he (or she) flew into the diamond opening that's usually closed off by the seed block.

With this lesser amount in the feeder, the little bird could fly into the diamond opening and stand on the seed block while it ate. However, when it wanted to fly out, it turned around and got stuck in the wire.

How The Bird Got Stuck

It's tiny head was where my middle finger is, and a wing came through the openings on each side of that. He couldn't fly out, and because of the angle of his wings (with the wires in his "armpits"), there was also no way he could have backed out alone.

I calmly walked up to the feeder, and as he was fighting against the wires, I put my hand in behind him through the diamond opening. I supported his body to calm him, and slowly finessed each wing back through the wire. I spoke quietly to him as I did this, being careful not to damage his wings.

I continued to hold on to him as I brought him back through the diamond. I cupped his sweet body in my hands and petted his head before I opened my palms. He immediately flew away, so I knew he hadn't been hurt.

I must not have frightened him too much either, because it wasn't long before he was right back at the feeder, sitting inside that opening again! The only thing different was that he didn't stray far from that opening, and he kept reaching out through it to keep his bearings. After that, he flew in and out many times.

The little sparrow wasn't harmed, and I didn't have to cut the wires on my feeder either (although I would have had it been necessary to free the bird). I'd say that was a good day with a happy outcome. It was pretty wonderful holding such a lovely creature in my hands, too.
 

Lilac Buds...

Lilac Buds

   

We've had 60º plus weather the past two days. Sadly, we weren't able to save all the birds. Bella brought two robins that had died in the cold to Handsome, and I found a dead sparrow on Sunday. I feel bad that they didn't make it, but our efforts weren't too late for so many others.

Yesterday, we had a pair of brown-headed cowbirds visiting, and the purple finches have been hanging around. Three large blue jays are enjoying the sunflower seeds in the bird mix, too. The rest of the birds, stop in for a bit now, but their regular food awaits them now that the snow is (mostly) gone. (It lingers in areas of northern exposure where the direct sun can't melt it yet.)

I noticed our lilac bushes have started to bud now, too. They promise that Spring isn't far behind. Soon, I'll be spending more time outside, but for now, I'll be in the studio, making more pretties.

Silken Ribbons and More Guests...

New Silk Ribbons For Brynwood Strawberry Sachets

Part of the new silk ribbon colors I recently ordered arrived yesterday. These are so beautiful, and they'll make for lovely Strawberry Rose Sachets (pincushions and other pretties). I still have another package which should be arriving soon, but I'll have fun starting with some of these.

Ribbons, Threads and Seed Beads

 

I've chosen the two colors shown here, along with the floss colors (and possibilities for bead embellishments) for my next strawberry. I'll choose the final bead color(s) after the stitching is done. I'm itching to start this one.

 

Mourning Doves

 

I guess our bird guests told their friends about the new neighborhood buffet. We had new birds join them yesterday. Joining the other birds at the feeders were juncos, purple finches, bluejays, and mourning doves. 

 

We got more snow, too, but we have plenty of seed, suet, fruit and feeders, so we'll clear off those feeders right away this morning, and they'll be right back in business. I'm telling you, I was beginning to feel like Snow White. Wherever I turned, there were happy, singing birds, a squirrel and a bunny enjoying the banquet. I would have started singing, but didn't want to scare them all off! hee hee

 

Appointments for Handsome and me (in different directions) today, but I'll definitely get some stitching time in. I hope you find time for something (or someone) you love today. 

 

It Was A Day For The Birds...

Early Morning View From The Farmhouse

 

When we got up yesterday morning, the sky was so beautiful I had to take a picture of it. Every morning offers another blessing for us, and I always take time to stop and be grateful.

I had read that this new-fallen (deep) snow has stressed out all the wild birds (and likely other wildlife, too).  The robins, especially, could use a little TLC because they're ground feeders (worms, grubs and other tasty earth-dwellers). We don't usually put out feeders, as we think the natural growth around the farm supplies the birds, but we decided to help them out for the rest of the winter - and future winters.

Handsome and I went to town and purchased two chicken feeders (which hold 20 lbs. of feed each); a covered feeding station we're called in the "Cedar Feeder"; two suet feeders; two 40 lb. bags of wild bird seed mix; four or five different kinds of suet, including one especially for bluebirds and robins, which contains dried fruit and grubs; and fresh apples and raisins.

Feeding Stations Are Set Up

We had fun deciding where to put the chicken feeders. One is on the side porch, because we saw lots of little bird tracks in the snow there. The other is across the drive under the large lilac bush, for protection from the wind.

We hung one of the suet feeders from the old apple tree, and the other from a wrought iron shepherd's crook, also near the lilac bush. Then, I scattered birdseed on the snow near the far feeders, as well as on the top of the pillar and on the boards of the porch (just to announce that there's food to be had around here).

We took the special suet for the bluebirds and robins, broke it up and scattered it in the bare ground to the right of the porch feeder. I'd seen those birds hanging around that area. It's warmer because of the south exposure, protection from the house, and because our dryer vents right there, outside the house.

Our Guests Have Arrived

 

It didn't take long at all for the birds to come in. By mid-afternoon, red-winged blackbirds, cardinals, crows, robins, bluebirds, chickadees, sparrows, wood tits and a few other types I don't recognize (yet) had come in to feed. Everyone was getting there fill, and there was plenty left so breakfast will be waiting for their return. 

Handsome and I both smiled, checking out the windows all day, knowing that we'd done something good today for all those hungry birds. We'll make sure their tummies are full the rest of this winter - and we'll do it again next year. It was a good day for the birds at our Hickory Hill Farm.

 

They're Here...

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - Male

I (sort of) hid behind the handrail and honeysuckle vine and waited. They've been fairly bold, but the male is more skittish than the female. So, I hid and waited.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Male

It didn't take long for my reward. The male flew in first. I think he and his mate have a nest in the apple tree. They flit back and forth between there and the feeder.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - Female

I think they take turns, too. The female came to eat next. She hovers more than the male does. He likes to sit to eat, and then take off. She, on the other hand, will fly around and then sit. She stays about twice as long as he does each visit. My camera shutter doesn't bother her either, while he buzzes off at the first shutter click.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - Female In Flight

I sat quietly, keeping my head down. The only thing that moved was invisible to them, because it was my finger touching the shutter button. They continued to fly in and away.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - Female Feeding

 

I purchased another feeder yesterday. I'm hoping they'll tell their friends that I make the best nectar in the township. I'm hoping they'll raise their babies and bring them to visit the feeder. I'm hoping they'll stay all summer, and until it's time for them to migrate south for the winter...and then, I hope they'll once again return to the farm.