Steve,

I'm in Brownsburg, just West of Indy. It was May 2nd last year when we had our first RTHB.

Check out this thread from last year

-Chad

Here is a link that might be useful: Last year's Indiana RTHB thread.

Steve, of all the people I know in Indiana, most see there first between the middle and end of April. You have to realize they are also still coming in to the gulf states. Sometimes we get a couple of real early reports here in western NY too. Last year one of our people who is only two miles from my house didn't see any for a month after I reported mine had been here for several weeks. In fact he came over to see them because he didn't believe me. They will generally return within a week of the date that they arrived the previous year. In many cases it is within a day or two if weather conditions are favorable. I knew things were going to slow down b/c of thejet sstream and the air current blowing down out of the north. As soon as it changes direction and starts coming in from the south there will be another push northward.

Penny

Forgot to add.. even though I usually see them here around the first few days in May - do I have at least one feeder out? Yep! I actually put one out today. It's part of the excitement - glancing over at the feeder even though it's not even April! It will make that first sighting all the more fun. ;)

-Chad

Chad I agree, I put my first feeder out on the first day of spring just b/c it was the first day of spring and in the even there is a migrating Rufous comeing from the east coast that may need a little extra to get him on his way westward. My official first feeder will go out between Apr.1st and the 15th.

Penny

I think all your hummers are stuck in the Texas rain!! I went to check the level on the feeders this morning and all three were all but empty. Granted I'm not filling them to the top but there was a cup in each when I put them up Wednesday morning.

I think I want you to get your hummers back almost as much you do...I love to hear about the different species, stories, pics, etc but feel rude talking about them when most are still awaiting this years arrival.

~Tess

Last year, my first bird was also on May 2nd--same as garliclover in Indiana. I think on average we get ours maybe a couple of days after Indiana, but it's so variable, and people need to realize this.

If all of the birds came on the same day, they would be vulnerable to all sorts of natural disasters, cold weather, and food shortages. One bad year could wipe them out and that would be dreadful. It's so much better that nature has planned for them to return over a period of weeks. That means the population as a whole protects itself from whatever nature dishes out. You'll notice that the precious females don't arrive until a week or two after the males (on average). Their survival is especially critical to the continuance of the species. Since one male can mate with several females, the population can handle the loss of more males than of females. It is to the male's advantage to get back as early as possible, so that he can be ready and waiting to mate with the first females. To do that, he takes a greater risk by arriving earlier, when the weather is still colder and less settled, and food sources are less abundant.

All that said, with all of this warm weather we're having, I'm planning to put out my first feeder this weekend. The wild-eyed optimist in me is hoping for early April, but the cool-headed scientist is doubting they'll be here before late April or early May.

I'll let you know when they get here. I'll sound the trumpets, ring bells, whoop and holler really loud, or, on second thought, maybe I'll just post some pictures, if I can get any!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all of us who are still waiting.

Chad

Thanks for bringing up that thread from last year, very interesting, read the whole thing. Like I said last year I had other issues going on and it was most likely sometime in may before I launched a feeder. I actually put my feeders out this week. I know other people have too. But this wouldnt have happended if it wasnt for the unseasonable weather weve been having. So now Im resigned to the fact it could be another month before they arrive here. My aunt lives in Evansville and she says around april 15th, at least last year.

Chad

Hi again, I live at Marinsville and I want to thank you for the thread , its great for comparing and considering with the unusual weather we are having many people may see them earlier this year than last year. On another forum someone from tennessee announced their first and said it was ten days early for them. So yes Ive had my feeders out this week and may have a long wait , but I dont care for the excitement and anticipation is there. Every morning when you get up you will ask yourself is this the day,,,its great.

I'm in Maryland, I think they usually return here around mid-April. But 2 years in a row, mine didn't show up until the first week in June. I know they return at the same time each year, so I'm hoping that some of my new ones from last year are early arrivers :) Christy

Tess Wrote: I think I want you to get your hummers back almost as much you do...I love to hear about the different species, stories, pics, etc but feel rude talking about them when most are still awaiting this years arrival.

Perfectly said, Tess.!
I understand exactly what you mean and I agree, wholeheartedly!

Steve, I can no longer "brag" because 13 I mentioned in another post a couple weeks ago is no longer accurate. Seems 4 of those have flown the coop to greener pastures *insert sad face icon here* but there are still plenty to keep me busy, entertained and in awe. *smiles*