Where To Begin? Attracting Migrating Birds...

Spring 2012 is beyond spectacular and it's even sweeter after the long, hellish summer of 2011.

The last few days have been a gardening blur!  I'm feverishly trying to finish up my spring tasks before it gets too hot.  Soon the garden will be a place for relaxing but for now it's a frenzy of activity.

Cilantro

Gulf Coast Penstemon

The hummingbird feeders have been thoroughly cleaned and a sugar solution of one part sugar to 4 parts boiling water has been prepared.  There was a visitor to the front feeder this evening!  The first of many I hope.

Speaking of birds, while visiting Wild Birds Unlimited in early February, I learned that putting out fruit beginning April 1st would attract migrating orioles to your yard.

I didn't use anything fancy...just found some wire and poked holes through the center of an orange after slicing, threaded the fruit on to the wire and then twisted the wire closed around a branch.

It's like a little fruit ornament hanging from the persimmon tree.  It's also close to the disappearing fountain which the goldfinches love to use as a drinking and bathing source.

Another tip the salesperson gave me was to put out millet to attract painted buntings.  I saw a couple pass through my garden last fall...If they come by again, I'll be ready for them.

 Abutilon 'Patricks'

It seems not only the gardener has been busy...

 Female green anole...

Male anole in hot pursuit...

The work of spring has to be done.  I hope you're finding the time and energy to get your spring projects finished.  Now, would someone please pass the Advil.