Exit Interviews

On Wednesday, September 17, I suddenly noticed they were leaving. It was so quiet around the yard compared to the night before but I made sixteen cups of nectar anyway, knowing I’d probably pour most of it down the drain in two weeks.

On April 10, I saw the first hummer of the season and it’s like a recent memory. A few at first, then there was a mid-summer hummingbird boom of seeing at least ten at once which calculates to a total of more than sixty visiting here according to banders’ calculations. There’s no wonder I had to top off four feeders every night. Where did those five months go? Today I still have three or four but tomorrow they might be gone.

Since yesterday I’ve been on the verge of editing the rest of this text – well, eliminating it, actually, because it’s so dang sappy. However, it's been my mood lately so I decided to be true. Here it is.

Now it’s time to say good-bye. I’ve been with them as often as I can during the last two weeks. And, while looking through the view finder, I talked to them, either out loud or in my mind…

I bought this beautiful tree for you. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed having you here.

Have you been pleased with the accommodations? I planted some flowers I thought you’d enjoy.

I saw you on the Lantana many times, and

you seemed to enjoy the wildflowers I planted from seed. All for you.

You liked this pretty glass feeder. It’s new.

This bright pink one was a hit, too. It’s also new. All for you.

Next March, all of your feeders will be ready and full of fresh nectar. Count on it, OK?

You’ve had a captive audience all spring and summer.

Me.

I’ve watched you from afar,

and loved our daily eye to eye meetings on the back deck, so close to me.

Travel safely, little bobbleheads. Remember the Nectar Lady next spring?

I’ll miss you. Godspeed.