The RT Hummingbird migration has started!!!

I was watching the Chinaberry tree next to my house yesterday, and what did I behold? A female hummingbird was flitting around the blooms. I was happy to see it, but got an extra treat when I turned around and saw a male hummingbird at my feeder in the courtyard!

This year, I've confirmed one of the males coming to the feeder was a ruby throat. I've only seen what I thought were black chinned at the feeder - I'm wondering how many I had misidentified all these years.

They are here, and that makes me happy!

Congrats Marg, it's a delight to have those lovelies back into our garden. Hah, last year I didn't know how to differentiate b/w the gender and name. Now I know in our Eastern region we get Ruby-throat hummingbirds. Also the 'ruby' on the male doesn't show if the light doesn't hit it just right. :)

Their backs are not as green either if light doesn't hit it right.

They are getting CLOSER!! I am SO EXCITED!! Can't wait!!

Gardening on my day off wearing bright fushia and red hoping to see a hummer!

OMG. they are north of me already! Sheesh, I better get with it!

:)

Caught one at the feeder this morning.

Yippie! Gp, that looks like a female. My first one was here on the 25th of March. I've seen the males on a pretty regular basic, but no female yet. Congrats!

I see them off and on during the winters, but they usually prefer my shrubs. Most of their food sources were killed back this past winter in our early freeze.

I put out a feeder. This is probably 10 days earlier than I'd put out normally, but since they are already north of me!!!

They must be feeding on bugs only, because very little is blooming now.

I haven't seen any yet (& not much blooming yet anyway) but it sure does seem strange to see those hummer sightings all over the map on the hummingbirds.net site, & I still have so many of the juncos ("snow birds") hanging around. And something else that seems a little weird - no sightings posted on the map for W. Va. All around it, but one big blank there. Mighty interestin'!

Hope nobody else ordered that feeder I bought...It is total Junk! I am sending it back and getting a HummZinger. Just should have done that to begin with. That is what I get for being cheap!

What's wrong with it nanny?

It is made from very cheap plastic, the top doesn't really fasten to the base and the hanger does not attach in a secure manner and the feeder could easily fall.

Sounds like an all around winner- not. Sorry it turned out badly.

Thanks for the update. At least we know what Not to buy.

Hummingbird in the tree.

And at the feeder. I got two of these mini-feeders recently. Because I have so few Hummers, filling up the larger ones and having to replace it every few days was wasteful. These two hold about 1 cup of mixture combined, and the Hummingbird seems to really like this style.

That's nice! Probably good if you have lots of fighting too. You could hang them all over the yard.

Nice pics GP! I had that second feeder the other year but had too many problems with it leaking. Glad it's working for you.

Nice pics GP...yeah I had one of those too that someone was nice enough to send to me when I was hand feeding. But like pelle, I had leaking also, so I finally got rid of it.

I ordered the HummZinger Ultra....and I put out the one I already have out front. I would have felt bad it anyone else were to spend money on that feeder.

I should be seeing a hummer soon!

Here she is again later in the day.

Very nice!

Great shot!

Ditto!

Thanks. I moved a bit closer and waited, hoping she would return before I had to leave.

I couldn't believe what happened today. I moved my tender perennials outdoor to the back porch to harden them off. Once outside, I decided I'd give the thirsty plants a quick drink with the waterhose and watering wand. There was this male RBT hummingbird came and soak itself under the watering wand and lingering within a foot from me. I really given a chance to be close and personal with the tiny jewel. He was so beautiful!

That must have been a thrill.

gp, it was something else. I didn't mention, but I was standing right below these vines that the hummingbirds so loved. :))

That's awesome. I keep hoping to get one playing in the water. I've set up some misting before, but no luck yet.

I have had them check me out while I water plants but they have never played in the spray. I keep hoping! I just wish they would hurry up and get here!

Sweet lady was around again today.

Photo taken today.

GP, If you would like to you can start the first "2011 Ruby-throated Hummingbird" (vol. 1) thread. Nice pics!

Im getting impatient also. Thought I heard one buzz past me the other day while in the garden, but never saw one. It's way too early here so I'm sure it was a fly or something...:( We were 31 degrees this morning so it's best they wait anyway.

The new HummZinger arrived today...so now have 2 feeders out....oh hummmers...

Wishing they will be there soon for you Nan. :)

I bought the Hummzinger with the raised perch ring.

it will be interesting to hear from you, Pelle, if they "stay longer" as advertised.