[va-richmond-general] No April Fool-MG present 1 April 2011 (Allen's Hummingbird-Chester,VA)

MG was buzzing the front yard feeders in the mist this morning. She has just about completed her molt having just dropped her outer primary feathers P10-P9 and started growing them in-they are currently in sheath. Her behavior this morning was different, having observed her since 20 November, I have gotten to know this little girl very well. Today she buzzed around the feeders not stopping to sit and take her long drinks. It is time, time for her to head west and find "Mr. Allen" to start her own brood. I will keep the listserv posted on her activity. It has been an incredible and unexpected "ride" since November with so many things that have happpened and been learned since her arrival. Over 130 folks have come to visit from as far away as Ontario, Canada. Many new friends have been made through visits, email, photo's shared and telephone calls and letters. This has defintely been a life-changing event.

Here are a few images from Wednesday-30 March.

JulieK

Chester