By  RAY POPE

I once mentioned, where have all the Hummers gone? I didn't know about it then, but they somehow found my feeders this past week. So far there are about 30 here in my neighborhood fighting for their own space, trying to take their turn to drink. Right now there are seven feeders out at my neighbors that form a semicircle with my house in the middle. With all this weird weather back in the spring, I believe that some of our bird's internal clocks got sidetracked.

Dotty Kim and her daughter Tammy that lives over in Trousdale County have plenty Hummingbirds at their feeders, especially since I had an extra feeder that I was not using that I gave her. With all the bird traffic at her place, it’s a wonder someone doesn't get run over or stabbed.They also have a large number of Indigo Buntings on their property.

I went over to my mother’s home Saturday hoping to find the bird that flew down to her Hummingbird feeder for a long drink of nectar. The way she described it, it could be some type of Oriole. Orioles are often found feeding from Hummer feeders or special feeders made for the species. If you just happen to have them, you can cut orange slices and nail them to a tree to attract them.

My Pastor Brother Larry Meadors preached this past Sunday on teamwork, and one of the ways he came across was using a flock of Geese that would fly in a "V" formation. Of course, he pointed me out as "The Birdman" and told our Church family that anyone wanting to know more about birds should talk to me. Anyway, Canada Geese and other such birds have been doing this since the dawn of time. The first bird in the formation cuts through the air and the others follow through the slipstream created by the upwash effect from the wingtip vortices of the bird ahead. The "V" formation is also called a "skein," the same principle of aircraft flying in an “echelon.” This same reaction will find its way on a racetrack where it is recognized as "drafting," sometimes I will call it tailgating. Same thing, but illegal on the highways.

Back to my Pastor's message, go to the Bible and read Mark chapter 5, verse 18 through 25. This was teamwork, for the man with palsy couldn't walk into where Jesus was at, but his four friends went up on the roof and lowered his couch down in the midst through the tiles where he was healed. Faith in God goes a long way.

Getting back to our Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, they should be here in even greater numbers all the way through the month of September. I am planning for a lot more Hummers to show up, and then the influx will wind down as the end of the month gets here. Remember the formula for "Hummer Juice" is 1 part sugar to 4 parts hot water and, of course, let it cool before placing it outside for the birds. NO FOOD COLORING! Anyone that desires a close-up experience with a Hummingbird should come over to my home and take a seat on my front porch. I just walked in the house after being swarmed with Hummers and plan to place out a couple more feeders out front. It makes me want to put on my bright red Hawaiian flowered shirt to see what will happen next.

We would love to hear from you as to what’s lurking about in your neighborhood and at your feeders. You can reach Karen Franklin via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and you can write me at 606 Fairview Ave., Lebanon, TN, or e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it