Hummingbirds: Finger Lakes Brainiacs Who Never Forget a Feeder

Dear Hummingbird Fans,

On May 1, 2025, I’m buzzing like a Tom Thumb’s Ice Cream on opening day, my first Ruby-Throated Hummingbird hit my feeder before I could sip my morning coffee. This green-glitzed diva hovers with the grace of an acrobat. Happiness evolves watching these marvels flit just feet from my window. Their brilliance lifts my spirits. But her best trick? A memory so sharp it makes my ADHD brain look like a hyperactive squirrel, that thinks their sunflower seeds are in the hummingbird feeder. Say what??

Nectar GPS Masters
Hummingbirds plot nectar stops like an Amazon driver’s route from Syracuse to Ithaca. My backyard Ruby-Throat visits every salvia patch as though it’s on her Yelp list. Meanwhile, I forget whether I ate breakfast. They know a flower refills in 15 minutes, much like the patron at Foxy’s in Homer. Last spring, one little visitor seemed to ignore my shiny new feeder. Instead, she chose to swoop down near the Tioughnioga River. Here’s a tip for future success: keep your feeder in the same spot every May. Those feathered friends have your ZIP code locked in like bikers heading to Dinosaurs BBQ.

Do they remember us?

This incredible bird remembers every feeder and nectar source across the Finger Lakes region. It’s like she has this amazing mental map. A natural brainwave that astounds me every time she returns, reminding me how mind-blowing these hummingbirds are. Each flutter of her wings creates a mesmerizing display. I find myself absorbed in the mini-ballet dancer of nature outside my window. Every sighting feels like a springtime gift. It transforms an ordinary day into something truly special.

Here’s why these tiny geniuses rule my patio

Experts suggest hummingbirds remember when it was last there and whether it was worth the trip. That means the birds we watch might see us as Bru 64, serving up Guava Passion Fruit. There’s one adorable hummingbird that often buzzes around me. She zips so close that I can’t help but feel she might have a little mental list of ‘Weird Humans that feed me,’ with my face proudly stamped on it.          

Brainier than most birds
Did you know that their brains pack a punch, accounting for a whopping 4.2% of their body weight? It’s like having a mini Einstein in charge of my feeder. That fancy little part of the brain, the hippocampus, is an absolute genius at mapping out flowers. Far superior to my own attempts at navigating through Walmart on a busy Sunday morning. Scientists say their extraordinary memory is crucial for mating. It is essential for survival, too. For me, in my yard, it means they never forget the spectacular salvia patch from Valley View Gardens. It’s a favorite hotspot for bird-watchers. Gardening enthusiasts love it, too!

“Got a brainy hummer?” Share your best feeder story or a photo of your feeder setup in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.

Bonus: Keep your feeder steady for a week. Let me know if she returns with all the wisdom of a PhD graduate from Cornell University. Until next time, keep your nectar flowing and your memory growing.

PS: My favorite nectar recipe: 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of sugar. Heat the water until it reaches a boil, then add the sugar. Cool it in the fridge, and voila, you’ll have fresh nectar. 

When Goldfinches Aren’t Gold: Fascinating Facts You Need to Know

Dear Goldfinch Lovers,


This morning, I poured my coffee. Then, I made a beeline for my desk. It wasn’t because I was itching to dive into work. I wanted to indulge in my bird-watching obsession. As I’ve mentioned in earlier ramblings, my desk is in the prime viewing spot. It overlooks the bird feeders hanging on my patio. And what did I see? Brown Goldfinches. Yeah, that’s right.

I thought I was a knowledgeable birdwatcher for most of my adult life. Yet, when I discovered that goldfinches don’t migrate in winter, I was shocked. I honestly believed they were sparrows with just a bit of yellow on them.

Now that I’m retired, I have much more time to study the beautiful birds of nature. There’s so much more for me to learn.

As it turns out, goldfinches exchange their bright body feathers for duller ones as they prepare for winter. The new feathers gradually, creating a distinctive patchwork look on the birds.

Photo credit to Mia McPherson

Unlike most songbirds, goldfinches molt twice a year. At the end of winter, they grow a full set of new golden-yellow feathers. For a few days, each one will have a strange, patchy appearance. Soon, they’ll be vividly beautiful once more.

“So, for you beginners, no, it’s not a flurry of sparrows crowding your feeders; it’s the beautiful Goldfinch.” “When Goldfinches Aren’t Gold.” It holds fascinating facts you need to know. As for the rest of you, I humbly admit that there’s always new stuff to learn.

Until next time, enjoy nature in your world, even if it’s only from your window.

Sources:

The goldfinches at my feeder are starting to look dull and patchy. What’s happening to them?

Updated Winter Finch Forecast for 2024-25

On the Wing Photography by Mia McPherson

Baltimore Orioles: Coming Soon to a Feeder Near You

Hi Fellow Oriole Seekers,

My birding friends and I have been in an Oriole feeder staring contest. We eagerly await the grand arrival of the first Baltimore Oriole to grace us with his presence. Will he show up in flashy orange plumage, or will he leave us hanging like a bad Tinder date?

While Central New Yorkers shovel snow, Baltimore Orioles relax during their winters on tropical beaches in southern Mexico. They sip cocktails and feast on fresh fruit. They also hang out in the northwestern Caribbean islands and along the Gulf Coast. It’s like a fruity buffet!

I’d gladly trade my boots for flip-flops for a tropical winter retreat. Wouldn’t you?

When should we start looking?
Late April and May, they return to their breeding grounds like hungry guests arriving at a fancy house party. The males strut around confidently. They puff out their chests. Their main goal? To dazzle the ladies with their plumage and moves. Think of it as birdie speed dating with more serenading and less awkward small talk!

Close-up of a vibrant orange bird perched on a branch, surrounded by lush green leaves.

The male Baltimore orioles’ vibrant orange attire practically screams “Halloween.” Unfortunately for this eager birder, I’ve only heard their musical calls picked up by my trusty Merlin app. Seeing them is at the top of my to-do list. I’m looking to finally spot one at some point. Fingers crossed for a feathered fiesta!

A vibrant yellow and gray bird perched on a branch with green leaves in the background.
photo taken by Ryan Schain/Macauley Library

As you know, I can be a tad overprotective about most of the lovely ladies of the bird world. But I must confess, the female Baltimore Orioles hit the style jackpot this time! Going from olive-brown heads to vibrant yellow-orange bellies—now that’s what I call a fashionista.

Feeding Tips

First, you need to find a feeder that suits your environment. See Amazon’s Best Feeders here.

Once you choose the feeder you want, you must decide what to put out for mealtime.

As I mentioned above, orioles have a sweet tooth that most fruits easily satisfy. They are particularly fond of grape jelly and orange halves.

A close-up of a bear holding two oranges in its mouth while surrounded by orange trees and foliage.

Warning!! Do not put out oranges if you live in bear country. We want to draw birds, not bears!!

If you really want to impress these feathered foodies, use feeders with perches. They are like the deluxe dining booths of the bird world. But wait, there’s more. They won’t turn down sugar water (the same recipe as you use for hummingbirds). How bout some delicious mealworms, the rest of us only dream about? Think of them as their version of gourmet cuisine. They even enjoy suet with fruit pieces for a true fine dining experience! Yum, Yum!

A hummingbird feeder with a red top and purple base, hanging from a porch overhang with green trees in the background.

Author’s note: If you choose a low-cost plastic Oriole feeder, don’t put it in the dishwasher. It gets warped and ill-fitting like mine.

As you can see, my Oriole feeder has certainly seen better days. It’s weathered and worn. It is much like a retired athlete clinging to the glory of past triumphs. Despite its faded charm, it’s still bravely hanging in there, a testament to resilience. I have made heartfelt attempts to attract them. Perhaps they simply snubbed my humble dining establishment.

A hummingbird feeder hanging under a porch with a purple reservoir and red base, surrounded by green trees.
Amateur photos taken by me

Here it is, upright once again. It stands as a solitary beacon of hope. It’s like the last slice of Pudgie’s pizza at a party, just waiting for someone to claim it. I continue to wait for the vibrant flashes of orange and black to grace its branches once more. It’s as if they’ve taken a vacation and forgot to send a postcard!

Have you spotted a Baltimore Oriole in your backyard yet? Leave a comment to tell me when and where. I’m always curious.

Until next time, avian lovers, keep your eyes peeled, not your oranges. Halving them will do the trick.

Northern Cardinals: A Glimpse into Their World

Two cardinals side by side on a native branch in South Texas USA

Dear cardinal fans,

Last night, a ruckus was going on in the woods across from my apartment. When’s the last time you heard that word? Ruckus, brouhaha, disturbance. As it turns out, it was two Northern Cardinals, one chasing the other. So, I left my armchair and went outside to have a closer look. The swishing and tapping was like a high-stakes pickleball game at Randall Park.

Amid the bare trees, their branches lightly dusted with snow, I spotted a bright red cardinal, vivid against the dreariness of March. One cardinal settled on a branch. Another male cardinal arrived and invaded the first cardinal’s personal space. The first one moved to a higher branch. The second bird continued his aggressive antics. The exhibition continued until the first bird reached the top of the tree. He then abruptly flew off to a friendlier domain.

Initially, I thought the first bird was a young one learning how to fly. After all, a cardinal brood most likely hatched in mid-March. But I looked closer through my binoculars. I realized he was a fully grown cardinal. He displayed his vibrant red feathers as impressively as the bird he bullied.

Male cardinals often engage in vigorous territorial disputes as they compete to attract new mates. I felt a strong urge to scold one and say, “Leave that bird alone!” But deep down, I understood that nature has its own ways. It’s essential to allow wildlife to follow their instincts, even when their behaviors seem intense. Watching them struggle and thrive reminded me of the often conflicting aspects of life all around us.

Have you ever caught two cardinals attacking each other over a potential mate? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Until next time, enjoy nature in your world, even if it’s only from your window.

Sources:

A Closer Look at Northern Cardinals and Their Territorial Behaviors During Breeding Season / Why Do Cardinals Attack Mirrors?