A New Wildflower Blooms—and the Hummingbirds Approve

Something unexpected happened in our yard this spring. A patch of rich, violet-blue wildflowers appeared seemingly overnight—bold, beautiful, and completely unfamiliar. We’d never seen them before, but there they were, rising from the grass like a small, shimmering field.

A closer look revealed their identity: Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), a hardy groundcover in the mint family. With their low-growing foliage and spires of tiny, tubular blossoms, these flowers quickly made themselves at home. What’s remarkable is how suddenly they arrived. Whether delivered by wind, wildlife, or a dormant seed awakened by just the right conditions, this surprise visitor feels like a small gift from nature.

But the real surprise? The hummingbirds noticed them too.

While Bugleweed is often planted for its ornamental value or erosion control, it's also a quiet favorite of early-season pollinators—including hummingbirds. Their tube-shaped flowers make them a welcome nectar source when few other blossoms are available. Watching a hummingbird dart between these violet towers was all the encouragement we needed: this uninvited guest was here to stay.

Given the enthusiastic reception from our feathered friends, Bugleweed may earn a more permanent role in the habitat plan for the Dodson Bird Observatory. Its ground-hugging nature makes it ideal for filling in open spaces without overwhelming native species. Plus, its early blooms offer vital nourishment during migration and nesting season.

Nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. A flower we didn’t plant, showing up in a place we thought we knew, turns out to be a perfect addition to our bird-friendly landscape. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this new arrival—and so will the hummingbirds.

Bird of the Week: White-breasted Nuthatch

 

Photo taken at Dodson Bird Observatory

If you’ve spent much time near a suet feeder in the woods or at the edge of a clearing, chances are you’ve seen this agile little acrobat: the White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). This week's featured bird at the Dodson Bird Observatory is a familiar but endlessly fascinating visitor known for its distinctive feeding behavior and quirky charm.

In the photo above, taken on a chilly winter morning, you’ll notice the nuthatch’s signature move—climbing headfirst down a tree (or feeder). This behavior sets them apart from most other songbirds and helps them spot insects and seeds missed by other foragers.

With its bold black cap, crisp white face and underparts, and blue-gray back, the White-breasted Nuthatch is easy to recognize. It’s also one of the more vocal birds in our area, known for its nasal “yank-yank” call, which often echoes through the woods well before the bird is spotted.

At the Dodson Bird Observatory, we find these nuthatches especially fond of suet cakes and sunflower seeds. They’re regulars at our winter feeders and are often seen caching food—wedging sunflower seeds into bark crevices for later retrieval. Watching them work is a reminder of how intelligent and resourceful even small birds can be.

Fun Fact:

Despite their small size, White-breasted Nuthatches can be quite territorial. We've seen them chase off much larger birds—including woodpeckers—when competing for a good perch at the feeder!

Conservation Note:

Fortunately, the White-breasted Nuthatch remains common across much of North America. Still, like many woodland species, it depends on mature forests with a healthy mix of tree species. Protecting and enhancing forest habitat is a simple yet powerful way to support this species and many others.