Ever since the tall weeds were wrestled from their stranglehold in the backyard and summarily replaced with perennial flowers, I no longer enjoy the visitation of special avian guests in August, such as juvenile warblers. There were some cardinals a few weeks ago and occasionally chickadees, but without a feeder on the estate (I like the way that sounds) there is little reason for them to drop by at all. Every three days or so I may spot a hummer at the Buddleia. However, now that August is drawing to a close I have goldfinches picking at the Echinecia's seeds. Every morning there is at least one male helping itself to the tall plants. The hybrid versions are neglected, even eschewed for the giant variety. They are so engrossed that a fixated finch behaves as if oblivious to its surroundings, not even stopping to check for danger. I almost feel as if I could walk right up to one, bend down to its level and wrap my knuckles it on its ebony forehead ... " Hello McFly, anybody home". It didn't actually work though.
