[birdky] Hummingbirds

Our hummingbird feeder population continues to increase as the drought tightens its grip. This morning we have seen up to 2 dozen birds at a time crowding around the feeders. Wildflowers are virtually gone. Even the large jewelweed patch in our wetland that is usually a dependable source of hummer food has dried up and been taken over by worthless exotic Japanese grass. We'll keep feeding the little birds as long as they're here.
Other wildlife food prospects on our farm are no better. There are no hickory nuts, walnuts, chestnuts or beech mast. We have seen no acorns on the oaks near the houses, but have not ventured into the deep woods where there are more mature oaks. Our hollies have no berries and squirrels are already devouring the tiny immature hawthorne fruits. Even small, weedy grass fields have been cut and baled for hay since hay is so scarce, leaving very few weeds and grasses for seed. Not a cheerful prospect for our wildlife this winter. We hope the situation is better elsewhere. 

Doris Tichenor, Butler County
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