All of these feeders were filled a day and a half ago.
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In past years, by mid-July the tiny birds were coming to the sugar-water in big numbers, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night. But not this year. The hummingbird feeders are already going full force.
In past years I could count on having to fill the almost two quart feeders at least every other day, sometimes once a day. About two or maybe three weeks ago I noticed I was finding empty feeders every other day. Interestingly though, I haven't seen the big bunch of birds early and late. They seem to be coming to the porch feeders all during the day, though the morning and evening periods are certainly busy.
The Tule River is sure running low. Last summer, the flow under our bridge was nearly stopped by mid-July. Several irrigation ditches, carrying water along the foothills on both sides of the river, take their adjudicated water out before it gets to the bridge. If the river further up does actually stop flowing, of course the ditches will not have water to take out, and when that happens there will be no water for irrigating pastures or anything else.
In my case, when the irrigation stops, the feeding of hay begins, lasting at least until we can begin watering again. By the middle of September the Sycamore trees should begin to slow their use of water, which may allow a little water back in the river bed.
Recently I was resting on the bed watching TV when Sharon came in, laughing. "I have to fill you in on what's going on out here." Obviously, something interesting had happened with our animals, and she was anxious to share it with me.
You who read this column on a regular basis know about Spirit, our three year old heifer who thinks she is simply an oversized dog rather than a smallish cow. In fact, a young man who has come and helped around the ranch several times calls her the "horned dog" for she certainly does sport a rather impressive set of horns.
Spirit was raised around the house, even sleeping on our front doorstep for a time when she was little. When we tired of cleaning manure off the front porch she was turned into the pasture with the rest of the herd. But she continued to come to the gate for her daily ration of grain. And that continues to this day.
First of all, Sharon loves to interact with her, and second, it doesn't hurt the little heifer's physical condition in the least. She doesn't seem to get too fat, so there seems to be little downside to this process other than the cost of grain.
But this afternoon, Sharon was working in the dog kennel. This is a chain link pen for our pampered pooches when we are gone from the house. Built on the edge of the patio, the outside of the kennel looks directly into the pasture.
Spirit had been fed her ration earlier, so had gone on her way to graze on the green grass. As Sharon straightened up in the kennel, she noticed one of the adult cows easing up to the pen, watching her carefully. The cow stepped a step or two, and paused. Then another step or two. Noticing the cows' actions Sharon spoke to her. "So, you think maybe I'm going to give you something special like I do for Spirit."
Of course, the cow didn't answer but kept stepping closer and closer to the gate. Obviously, she wanted to get in on this feeding opportunity.
Even though she was tempted, Sharon didn't give her any grain. Sharon said, "I'd be feeding the whole bunch of them pretty soon."
But it was interesting how the little cow knew exactly where and how Spirit got her grain treat, and was emulating her little friend. Of course, how long Sharon holds out on giving the cow grain, is a whole different question.
I thoroughly expect a conversation such as this before long. "Honey ... would it be too wrong to give that one little cow some of Spirit's grain? Do you think the others would come up too?"
Sigh.
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NOTE: If you would like to listen to the above, it will also be found on Central Valley Business Times. Doug said he was going to put it on the front page (so it would be immediately visible at that address) and on "Lighter Side" in the upper right corner area.
http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com
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