When we first moved to Boise in 1978, you could go out on any summer evening and hear numerous C. Nighthawks. Sadly, that is no longer the case. But yesterday I heard my FOY CONI, and this evening, as I was opening a window to put in the fan, I heard one again. I’m sure they are more common where we don’t try to kill every mosquito, etc., but I have to admit I got a little jolt of pleasure hearing them last night and tonight (around 10:20). I hope I get to hear them all summer, and not just to boost my daily list. 😉
Weather showed less chance rain between 1&6 so i ventured out glad i did saw lots of birds yellow warb several. 2 comm yellow throats willow& hamm fly cats e.&w king birds blk hd.grosbeaks –chat n.flick rough wing &tree swallow osprey snipe cal quail both doves gr.blue heron vir rail he stopped to drink rain water in road for photo thanks liz about north of tracks on park rd.
So, the other day my wife bought a potted citronella plant for our back deck. Our place is along the Snake River & a spring channel runs through the backyard. We get a few wks of mainly evening time mosquitoes, starting about now. She placed the plant near my hummingbird nectar feeder. And, for two days, no hummers! In fact, one came last evening, like it was going to feed & immediately turned & took off. And for no apparent reason.
This afternoon, I moved the plant that was 4 ft from the feeder to about 15 ft away & within an hour, hummingbirds are back. One just visited again, after our rains. Has anyone else noticed that citronella may also keep hummingbirds away?!
Brian Carrigan Blackfoot
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