I went to the garden center yesterday for the first time this season. There’s only one GC nearby that has French Tarragon, and they had two plants left. The ones I had last year I left outside over the winter to see if anything would come up, and so far, only a tiny spring in one pot. The chives are already back up and producing just fine.
I know this isn’t a birding thread, but the migration has started and I’m seeing several species that stop in on their way more north, or a few that will stay the whole season and make babies nearby. We have several Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Gray Catbirds now, along with a sighting or two of Indigo Bunting, and a couple of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. It finally feels like real Spring instead of pseudo Spring, with the arrival of all these birds. Makes me a little cheerier. Those songs sure make working outside a bit more fun.
A lot of us are Bird-Brains, so bird updates are always welcome. :)
So far the only one to arrive at my house (SW corner of Wisconsin) is the Grosbeak. And just ONE - a male. I think he got blown off course, or else he’s the scout that’s weeks ahead of everyone else.
Orioles will be next (Baltimore and Orchard) and then we’ll get some Hummers.
Beau has the Bluebird houses all cleaned out and ready to receive, though those are a long way from the house, so it’s rare for me to see them.
I usually spot at least one each of the Scarlet Tanager and the Indigo Bunting each season. Such gorgeous flashes of color! And I’ve finally got mature species of shrubs that have been bringing in Cedar Waxwings, which are my favorite ‘elusive’ bird around here.
The migration is running a bit late, it seems, but is definitely gaining momentum.
In the last five days the Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles, Purple Martins, and several varieties of hummingbirds have started to show up at Mrs. Augie’s feeders.
Mrs. Augie was airing the house out yesterday and one of the Purple Martins flew through the open door into the sun room. Being a typical bird-brain, it wasn’t able to find its own way out. After 15-ish minutes of bouncing off the windows the poor thing was exhausted to the point of sitting down. She let Mrs. Augie pick her up and carry her outside.