The Baiting Hollow Hummingbird Sanctuary: good rain; clubs and groups

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).

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

good rain; clubs and groups

This recent picture is by Wei Tang. The flower on the right is the yellow form of trumpet creeper (or trumpet vine, Campsis radicans).

We got good rain early this morning, which should taper off in time for our morning "slot"; those with appointments for this morning should try to come, because I think hummers will be active, and I cannot guarantee appointments for later slots. But I will re-assess the situation in an hour or two - look for updates of this post. Let's hope that Lady Di and her nest in Manorville came through the rain ok.

Yesterday we had organized visits from 2 garden clubs: the Riverhead GC in the morning and the Nathan Hale (Huntington area) in the afternoon. Everyone saw plenty of hummers and enjoyed the flowers and views. If you are a member of an organized group (garden/bird/photography clubs) you can make an appointment for a visit outside of our posted "slot" times). The group leader should contact me by email (paul.adams*stonybrook.edu).

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FAQs

1. How can I visit? Unless you are an invited friend or personal guest of the owner, Paul Adams, you cannot. The sanctuary is now permanently closed to the general public.

2.Why did the sanctuary close? The sanctuary opened, on a very limited basis, during 1998-2017. However, a neighbor, Kamal Bherwani, and 2 former neighbors, Fred Terry and Shawn Hamilton, brought a $3 million lawsuit, and forced complete and permanent closing. The plaintiffs claimed, incorrectly, that the sanctuary was a "commercial business". Though no evidence for this claim was, or could be, produced, the owner decided to settle the lawsuit and permanently close.

3. When do the hummingbirds arrive and leave, and where do they go for the winter?

They arrive on Long Island late april, and early may. They leave between aug 1 and oct 1. The adult males arrive and leave first, then the adult females, then the young, in order of fledging. They all go to central America via the Gulf of Mexico.

3. What varieties do we have at the sanctuary?

Only the ruby-throat (only the adult male has the ruby throat). This is the only one that breeds east of the Mississipi. The US has about 9 other species but they are all western.

4. Why are there rocks in the trees? How long have you had this place?

I have had the property for 27 years and each year I put a new rock to mark the beginning of a new hummingbird season (may 1).

5. What is the best place to sit to see hummingbirds?

On your bottom! Since you may have to wait a bit choose the spot that best suits you.

6. How can I attract hummers to my yard?

Plant cardinal flower (right variety!) and black-and-blue salvia, maintain a couple of small clean feeders, both placed where you spend a lot of time outdoors (or in front of a picture window). Read this blog or lihummer.org for further suggestions.

BASICS

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

good rain; clubs and groups

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