Phase Shift

We are almost at the cusp point of a change in the flower-visiting habits of our hummingbirds.  I am seeing signs that the Columbine-Coral Honeysuckle phase is coming to an end (there are far fewer nectar-laden flowers on those plants) and that the Trumpet Vine phase is about to begin.  All of these plants are heavily dependent on the hummingbirds as pollinators and have evolved to respond well to hummingbirds.  In my own case I use Trumpet Vine as an indicator the complete set of summer residents is in place, rather than say only early birds or migrants.  Any day now there will be a phase change.  Can't wait!

Out of the Wind

So it looks like the Piedmont is about to get a few blasts of something uncommon: temperatures below 20F and wind chills below even that.  We don't experience this very often and the birds are no better off.  But here at Cary BirdCam all will be well.  There is not only plenty of food but we have something that will make the difference at night when the wind really howls: cover, in layers.  We have a good deal of wind-blocking native vegetation from ground level all the way up to the high canopy, plus nest boxes, plus brush piles.  I expect the birds will be able to reduce their exposure to moving air relatively well.  And in fact there are sufficient structures all along the neighborhood to blunt a lot of the worst.  This is one reason I keep a natural area relatively, well, natural.  It is times like this when every degree counts.

Native Plant Update

As readers may recall we have been steadily adding native plants to the property that will attract birds (among others).  Last fall's plantings have done exceedingly well, bringing brilliant blooms of Bee Balm, Stokes Aster, and Green Headed Coneflower (also, among others).  The current belle of the ball is a Beauty Berry installed in spring 2012.  This shrub actually yielded a few berries last fall.  It will offer many more this autumn.  And those berries will bring in the birds!  I am warned that this one will propagate wildly.  Oddly, this pleases me.  There's too much nandina, mahonia and privet out there.  And my native might have a chance against these unpleasant invaders.  And this fall...I'll be adding yet more delights.  In a few years this should be a fruiting paradise!

A Hummingbird Favorite is Here

We are fond of native plants here as a resource for the birds.  I've added quite a few different species in recent years that will appeal widely, and such like as Columbines, Bee Balm and Coral Honeysuckle will be well received by Ruby Throated Hummingbirds when they enter full maturity.  But the mainstay for years has been a truly prodigious amount of Trumpet Vine.  These natives nearly dominate two mature Loblolly Pines and are trying to grow most everywhere.  Their distinctive fluted flowers are a welcome sign in summer.  And today I found the first blooms, high up in the trees.  With the heat coming on they should sprout fast and furious.  And the hummingbirds will have a field day tapping nectar!  Another great pleasure of summer is here.

More Wildlife Support

Last fall my friends the Cary naturalists visited our property to assess wildlife value, which they didn't really doubt, but also to suggest some additions.  2012 has seen plenty of activity moving the ball down the field.  Since midsummer I have uprooted a number of exotic shrubs, replaced them with natives with good food value, such as wax myrtle and beautyberry, and put in other wildflowers native to our area.  I believe I am now at 25 species of native flowers, vines and shrubs -- and counting!  Over the next few years our property should gain greatly in attractiveness, wildlife value, and "low maintenance gardening" appropriate to our drought- and near-drought climate.  I still have a number of good, cool autumnal weekends ahead to prepare space for more additions.  I hope my back holds out!