Date: 4/29/25 3:41 pm From: A. Liebner <000000d98121eaef-dmarc-request...> Subject: FOY Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Wren -Sch. County
Hello all,
Yesterday, 4/28/2025 a FOY male Ruby-throated Hummingbird flew to the sugar water feeder. I've been keeping records since the 1980's and Hummingbirds return like clockwork on April 28th or 29th.A short time later another Hummingbird appeared and the chase began. They are tiny but mighty feisty when it comes to guarding "their" feeders. I had to make more sugar water today since the Oriole has been sipping from the hummingbird feeder, then I happened to notice the Red-bellied Woodpecker sampling jelly at the Oriole feeder.
One thing to note: Hummers love our Heuchera Alumroot, Coral Bells. The timing is perfect as those lovely plants are sending up stems full of tiny bells ready to open and provide Hummingbirds nectar from now, throughout the summer, and into the fall. I have photos of Hummers visiting Coral Bells that are still blooming in September when migrating hummers are moving through. There are many other native perennials that will be blossoming in the coming months but Heuchera seems to be the one that blooms the longest.
A FOY male Baltimore Oriole appeared on 4/26/25 . (no females yet) Previous years: 4/29/2024 & 5/01/2023. The last sighting of Juncos was on Saturday 4/26/2025.
A FOY House Wren stopped by our property on Thursday, 4/24/2025, but I haven't seen or heard it since.
Robins, Grey Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, Chipping Sparrows, Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Red-bellied, Hairy, & Downy Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Northern Flickers, plus many others are pairing up.A Robin took advantage of the mud from rain pouring out of a downspout on Saturday. I watched as it returned many times to gather mud for it's nest.A pair of Bluebirds have 5 eggs in one of their favorite boxes. A second pair claimed another box and that nest is almost ready for egg laying.Tree Swallows took up residence in third box near the house.White-throated Sparrows are still here as of today, 4/29. I'm still hoping for Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings and possibly a few warblers to visit.
Happy Spring Birding!
Ann M. Liebner
Wayne Twp., Schuylkill Co.
