Spring has sprung — Hummingbird paradise
The best places to enjoy spring in Nova Scotia
On top of South Mountain in Kings County lies a hidden sanctuary. Deep in the wilderness, a beautiful garden borders on the edge of the forest. Each spring, starting early in May, the male Ruby-throated hummingbird returns to his native Nova Scotia, awaiting the arrival of the females to nest and raise their young. Soon, many, many hummingbirds are congregated together in this extraordinary place, in what could even be the largest nesting sight in North America, a rare occurrence for such territorial birds whose survival strategy is to compete for food. While you can try spotting a hummingbird while hiking on South Mountain— the Gaspereau Canal Trail is a great path to follow— it could prove difficult, unless you come across feeders, and even then, a sighting lasts no more than 10 or 15 seconds. But you don’t have to miss out on this phenomenon.
Nova Scotian musician Rick Gautreau has captured stunning video of the magnificent birds and created the HummingbirdValley Garden DVD. Unlike any educational documentary you may have seen, this video captures the artistic side of the birds, close-up with wild flying action and the actual sounds of the hummingbirds, all against a beautiful background of vibrant flowers, bushes, trees and sky. The accompanying soundtrack has been created especially for the video by Nova Scotian artists. It would be so inspirational, healing and relaxing to sit in a garden with hummingbirds flying around, but not easily possible. So why not turn your TV or computer into a window overlooking Hummingbird Valley, and bring some of spring into your very own home. After witnessing the extraordinary footage of these compelling birds, you will experience a lightening of the spirit—just the thing for spring!
Go to www.hummingbirdvalley.com for information and to purchase a copy of the DVD.
Originally published in the Spring 2007 issue of Lifestyle Nova Scotia Magazine.
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