This is exciting Lee. I am so happy they are back.

It amazes me that I live close to you in Lakeland and we have hummers in the winter and ours leave this time of the year. Actually I had 3 males last week but they were in migration and only stayed to feed one day. My male Rufous has been here since mid Dec but I bet he will be gone soon. His gorget color is filling in and when it is I bet he will leave. My adult female left Feb. 14th.

Look for bands on the right legs of the hummers. The banders that came into Florida in Jan. and Feb. are trying to figure out where our winter hummers go. Maybe they head your way!

Should have asked you to go to Journey North and post you siting for the first Ruby of the season. If you google it you will find the link. It is www.learner. something

I registered at Journey North and reported the sighting. I'm on THE MAP too !

GREAT news lee. late april usually berore i see my first 1 around chicago

I'm jealous! I'm in Apopka, too, haven't seen any yet. My shrimp plant didn't survive the frost (I'm in a cold pocket in Apopka - nothing survived). I've put a couple feeders up, so send a hummer my way!

@ Flamingofl42..... Hello Neighbor !!!!!! I am also in a cold pocket, actually the lowest spot on the street and have had freezes, but the shrimp plants and coral honeysuckle both survived. If you have feeders up and change them regularly, chances are good you could spot a hummer using them first thing in the mornings or during the last hour of light in the evening. Good Luck,
Lee

Hey, Lee, I just saw this. You saw your hummingbird very early. Usually the males show up first. You may have seen a migrator or one that overwintered and stopped at your house for a snack. I have had a juvie virtually all winter. I had a few others visit in December and January, but none stayed. Saw my first migrator right at the end of February. He was very resplendent.

By the way, I'm in Clermont, just west of Orlando. This was for others, Lee. You know where I live.