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).

Friday, August 19, 2011

The Big Problem at the Sanctuary

We are open this afternoon 3-6.
The rainy weather is bringing out the hummingbirds! But the humid air also exacerbates the number one problem we face at the sanctuary: NOISE!
There are times, with the bird-scaring cannon operated by local farmers 2 miles away, and the low-flying helicopters commuting to East Hampton, when it is like Apocalypse Now. For 15 years it used to be very quiet here - it's why we chose it. But in the last few years noise has greatly increased. As well as the heavy helicopter and seaplane commuter traffic, and these infernal cannon, new development has brought the "landscaping" teams with their leafblowers and other loud equipment (Capability Brown must be turning in his grave at the misuse of this term). I now nap with my Bose noise-cancelling headphones on, and the doors and windows closed, but even this does not stop the racket. I cannot understand why it does not bother more people - and it's so rude and selfish. Above all, it makes it difficult to hear the subtle buzzing and squeaking that alerts one to the presence of a yet unseen hummingbird, and it interferes with their constant communications.
We hope to open sunday afternoon 3-6, but only to those who have not yet visited this year. Please check the blog for confirmation.
The picture is by Joe Maggio, and shows red porterweed.
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3 comments:

  1. TeresaAugust 19, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    I so hope you are open this Sunday.
    I have not yet visited your place this year.
    My lovely sister is going to be in town
    and we would love to stop by during your
    hours (3-6). My fingers are crossed that
    this will be a possibility!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    I would love to visit this Sunday, no matter what the weather. Huitzilopochtli blesses you and your work!

    ReplyDelete
  3. firewalker57August 20, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    I hope to visit also .. would be my first time .. and I am with you I hate all the noise .. when I first bought out there in Reeves park it was so quiet - little houses on the hillside .. wonderful .. it has really changed and it is sad to me . because it was paradise ... the noise is awful ..

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