Hummingbird in the House!

There's a new bird in the house! Well, maybe not in your house specifically, but definitely in North America. The hummingbird has been spotted as far north as Manitoba, Canada!

Scientists had previously thought that the breeding range of these tiny birds only extended as far south as Texas and Florida, but it seems that the warming climate is allowing them to spread further north. Hummingbirds eat mainly nectar from flowers, so they are very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature.

Until now, the northernmost sighting of a hummingbird was in Illinois, so this new expansion is pretty significant. It's also good news for the birds, as they will have access to more food sources and be able to expand their population.

If you're lucky enough to live in an area where hummingbirds are now breeding, you may be able to observe them up close. They are very interesting creatures and well worth taking the time to watch.

So what can you do to attract these little birds to your yard? One thing you can do is install a hummingbird feeder. This is simply a container with a hole on the bottom that you fill with sugar water. The birds will suck up the nectar through their long beaks.

You can also plant flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. Some good choices include trumpet vine, honeysuckle, and fuchsia. Make sure to place these plants near your feeder so that the hummingbirds have easy access to both food and water.

The arrival of the hummingbird is definitely a sign of spring! So get outside and enjoy watching these beautiful birds flitting about your garden.

Did You Hear That?

We all know that feeling. You're in a meeting, or on a date, or in the middle of class and you just can't focus because you're distracted by the sound of someone chewing their food. It's so frustrating! But what can you do about it?

There are a few things that you can do to help minimize the noise:

1. Try to find a seat farther away from the source of the noise. This will help to reduce the amount of sound that reaches your ears.

2. Ask the person making the noise to stop. Politely let them know that their chewing is distracting you and ask them to please stop.

3. Wear headphones. This is a great way to drown out any unwanted noise and focus on what's important.

4. Bring along some earplugs. If all else fails, pop in some earplugs and tune out the world around you.

No matter what method you choose, remember that it's ok to speak up for yourself. If something is bothering you, don't be afraid to let people know!

Who's There?

It's late at night, and you can't get to sleep. You've been tossing and turning for hours, and the only thing that seems to help is when you get up and walk around. Suddenly, you hear a noise outside your window. You sit up in bed, listening carefully. Who's there?

You may never know for sure who or what was making that noise outside your window, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself just in case. First of all, make sure your windows are locked and that any security alarms are set. If you have a dog, make sure he or she is close by and awake. You may also want to consider keeping a weapon nearby just in case.

If you're really worried about who or what is outside your window, it might be best to call the police. They can come and check it out for you and make sure you're safe. Whatever you do, don't go outside to investigate on your own. It's always best to be safe rather than sorry.

A Fast and Curious Bird

The house finch is a small songbird that is found throughout the United States. This bird is named for its "finch-like" appearance and is related to the American goldfinch. The house finch is a very active bird and is known for being curious and fast.

This bird is a popular pet and can be found in many backyards across the country. They are easy to tame and can be taught to come when called. House finches are also very social birds and will often flock together in large groups.

In the wild, house finches live in open areas near forests or other habitats with plenty of trees. They eat a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects. These birds can be quite vocal and often sing songs to communicate with other birds.

House finches are considered to be a year-round resident in most parts of their range. However, they may move further north or south during winter months as temperatures change.

A Sweet Melody

As a young musician, I always loved going to the symphony. The rich, complex harmonies never failed to take my breath away. I would often find myself completely lost in the music, transported to some other world.

Recently, I had the opportunity to see one of my favorite composers, Johannes Brahms, perform his masterpiece "A German Requiem." It was an amazing experience. Brahms' music is so emotive and deeply moving; it really spoke to my soul.

The Requiem is a mournful piece, written after the death of Brahms' mother. It is full of beautiful choral passages and soloists that evoke a sense of longing and sadness. Yet, at the same time, there is also a feeling of hope and transcendence. Brahms masterfully blends the sorrowful and joyful aspects of life into a single glorious whole.

Listening to this music is like gazing at a beautiful sunset: it fills you with both sadness and happiness, making you feel deeply alive. There is something truly profound about experiencing great art like this; it can touch your heart in a way that nothing else can.

So if you ever get the chance, I encourage you to go hear a symphony or other classical concert. It may be daunting at first, but I promise you that it's well worth it. The emotions stirred by great music are genuinely unforgettable.