GETTING NEW THREADS - A male Ruby-throated Hummingbird shows signs of molting. Yes, Hummingbirds do molt, shedding their old feathers and growing new ones. This process is similar to what other birds do and is crucial for maintaining their plumage and flight capabilities. Molting in Hummingbirds typically occurs once a year, usually starting in late summer or early fall as they prepare for migration.

IT HEARD ME COMING - A small Eastern Cottontail Rabbit forages in the yard. Rabbits' large ears DO help them hear better by acting as "satellite dishes" funneling sound into the ear and allowing them to detect faint sounds from a distance. But the long ears also help the rabbit regulate body temperature and their hearing is not significantly better than humans.

THANKS FOR THE JUICE - A female Ruby-throated Hummingbird at the feeder. Hummingbirds are very territorial and will protect a feeder and/or flower bed. A typical individual visits the feeder about once every thirty minutes, and in between will be catching insects (which can constitute up to 60 percent of their diet). We have multiple feeders on both sides of the house and on our roof to give everyone a feeder to protect.