BASICS


BASICS: "Hummingbirds.....where is the person, I ask, who, on observing this glittering fragment of the rainbow, would not pause, admire, and turn his mind with reverence..." (J. J. Audubon).
This is a blog about my summer life at the Baiting Hollow Hummingbird Sanctuary, at my winter garden, Calypso, in the Bahamas, and aspects of life in general.
This private sanctuary is now permanently closed to the general public, as a result of a lawsuit brought by a neighbor. Only my friends and personal guests may visit (paul.adams%stonybrook.edu).

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Broadcasting Live NOW; CLOSED SUNDAY; Waiver Rationing

We are now (i.e. this evening) broadcasting live on our (primitive) webcam from the sanctuary (click link at the top of the links section of the right). Around 7.30 pm we plan to provide a live commentary and go "hummer hunting". The light is far better than the previous few days. At the very least the sunset should good.

WE ARE CLOSED TOMORROW FOR A RARE FAMILY EVENT. Please respect our privacy and our very limited parking. WE ARE OPEN THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON BUT YOU MUST BRING A WAIVER. Sorry for the short notice. This morning we were closed for a private group visit by an Audubon Society chapter. Long Island has many Audubon Society chapters, one near you, and many of them visit the sanctuary at their own dedicated time. Consider joining your Audubon chapter and enjoying their field trips (such as visits to the hummingbird sanctuary) and other activities.

ABOUT WAIVERS: (UPDATE: I HAVE NOW APPROVED ALL WAIVER REQUESTS MADE UP TO THE END OF AUG 9).   At the moment the Liability Waivers now needed to visit the sanctuary are not freely available at the waiver link, because we are trying to limit visitation in the aftermath of the Newsday article. Instead, the link asks you to ask to share the document. While I have already shared with many, there are many more that are still waiting for permission, though I have received your request. Don't worry, you will receive permission as soon as visitation returns to a manageable level. I'm sure that if you have a strong desire to visit the sanctuary, it will happen soon - please be patient. If you have already asked for permission (automatic via the link) please be patient and don't send in further requests. You will receive permission soon.

Today's picture is by Allen Siegel. The young hummer is probing a flower of the fabulous 4-star hummer-plant Pink Porterweed (Stachytarpheta mutabilis). This is strictly tropical, and must be brought inside for the winter, but is otherwise a tough plant. Notice how the hummer is perching on one flower stalk to reach another. Usually they have to hover to get nectar, but this costs a lot of energy, and if possible they perch to feed. They are trying to build up fat reserves for the long southward migration, and their flight burns a lot of calories.

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