Uncloistered

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  “She gazed ahead through a long reach of future days strung together like pearls in a rosary, every one like the others, and all smooth and flawless and innocent, and her heart went up in thankfulness. Outside was the fervid summer afternoon; the air was filled with the sounds of the busy harvest of men and birds and bees; there were halloos, metallic clatterings, sweet calls, and long hummings. Louisa sat, prayerfully numbering her days, like an uncloistered nun.” A New England Nun By Mary E. Wilkins Freeman (1852–1930)

Backyard Battle Birds

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Don't let these little guys fool ya. They are either very playful or very territorial. 

So far we've been able to identify three distinct hummingbirds. Two are male (one Ruby Throat Hummingbird and one White Throat) and one female--can't tell which variety. There may be four: one juvenile. One is always guarding the feeder, chasing off another while a third swoops in for a drink. Fun to watch, especially when they buzz your head and chirp as they whiz by. They remind of tiny T.I.E Fighters from Star Wars. Playtime increases when it rains. These little guys (and gals) love the rain!
Here's one standing guard, making certain nobody's partaking of the precious nectar.


Here's some of the T.I.E. Fighter action: 

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