(Image: Wikipedia)As with many places in the world, Springtime in the Land of Enchantment involves changeable weather. There was snow in May and now hot (30 C/85 F) weather in June. Plus the previously-mentioned Spring winds. Add in the odd thunderstorm and a few tornadoes here and there and it gets interesting. It will get hotter, of course, as Spring advances to Summer.
The trees are fresh-looking now but will start getting browner soon. The real rainy season locally comes later in the Summer, with a true monsoon pattern. Then any greenery not previously burnt to a crisp in wildfires will freshen again. The flowers in the garden gave a colourful display due to the previous month's moisture but will now need watering to survive the coming hot weather.
The hummingbirds (Black Chinned/ Archilocus alexandri) usually return by the middle of April. They were delayed somewhat by the cold and snow, but were buzzing in front of the dining room window by the end of the month. They clearly remember that the Mad Scientist's household puts out a feeder every year and duly remind us if we are late. The cats enjoy the presence of the hummers, while the birds ignore the cats completely. All seem happy enough with the arrangement.
We were watching the momentarily vacant feeder while discussing plans with another family member. There was a brilliant flash of orange and black at the feeder, which startled and stunned us both briefly. Then the latent twitcher in Us blurted out 'Bullock's Oriole' (Icterus bullockii)! The sun caught the bird full on the glorious sunset yellow-orange of its breast, set off by the surrounding black markings. They are occasional visitors to the area, but not real residents. Previously We've only seen them as distant bright spots in the trees; never so close up.The poor Oriole was too large for the hummingbird feeder, although they do eat flower nectar when they can. He quickly realised he couldn't get anything out of the feeder and flew off. The bird book (you knew We had one didn't you?) was consulted to verify the sighting. Undeniably, splendidly, goldenly Bullock!
What nice punctuation to a Spring day in the Land of Enchantment.
Budget recipe of the day: http://notecook.com/soup/new-mexican-green-chile-stew/
