Every year, I think, "boy, it would be nice to have a real back yard instead of this swampy-in-the-Spring, weed-filled mess." Then, every August, the ragweed (which I'm not allergic to), the Joe Pie weed, the daisies and Black-eyed Susan, the Queen Anne's Lace, and the Jewel Weed bloom, and they're thick with butterflies. The whole place is a wonderland, and my only contribution is to leave it alone.

I've been wondering about the little squeaky-toy bird calls for a while, and finally caught the culprit in the act. The wee female was sitting on a dead raspberry cane, just resting and squeaking occasionally. I KNEW the hummingbirds (ruby throated, except the females aren't) were there, because in past years, they've buzzed me. First time that happened, I thought it was bee-zilla, but bees aren't green and don't hover. I wonder where their nest is.

Regarding nesting, my bird book says: "2 white eggs the size of large peas in a woven nest of plant down held together with spider silk." Tell me that doesn't sound like the stuff of fairy tale and song!

I've seen a few more species, and the eagle one more time. I've put up two more feeders and fashioned a utilitarian bird bath. The more I watch these winged jewels, the more I love them.