Hummer TV Cont.....

Hummer TV is still going strong with escalating action. The feeder is so busy now that we have to fill it twice a day (when the weather is cool). Perhaps there is more need for energy to keep warm. The fledglings now come to visit, when they are allowed by the dominant males. They don't have anywhere near the same flying ability as adults and so will often rest on the deck railing. They are totally oblivious to people, so it is now possible not only to stand close to the feeder, but to hold it and actually touch the young hummers. The parents are a little more shy, but once they see they are missing out on the goodies, they become much braver. I am trying to master holding the feeder in one hand while taking a "macro" picture with the other. These pictures were taken about ten inches away from the brave subjects. These are the youngsters.... I'm still trying to get a similar shot of an adult male that has much more impressive plumage. The pictures are in a larger format this week.

Straw Bale update: Work on the power lines continues this week. Some huge rocks showed up in the easement, so the large machinery was brought in to pulverize the sandstone bedrock. We may be able to excavate soon. Drawings are nearing completion, with structural, plumbing, and electrical details to be worked out. As there is no building code here, we don't have to apply for permits and fall prey to the cash grab. We do have to adhere to septic and electrical codes. A call to the regional district electrical inspector was reassuring; it seems they are familiar with straw bale construction and everyone should be clear on what is acceptable.

Friday evening we attended a talk and presentation on pesticide free gardening. We're getting a little ahead of ourselves I know, but the talk was very informative. Curt & Denise are visiting this week. Curt had his upper wisdom teeth extracted on Tuesday and is currently recouping from that ordeal. We switch shifts on Thursday as Sue & Bill arrive for Home and Garden Tour Weekend. Saturday, we'll take in the Denman Island H&G Tour, then on Saturday, we'll do the same on Saltspring Island. We're especially looking forward to seeing the bale house on the tour there. The weekend should provide many photo opportunities.