I've been checking some of the online birding lists for Illinois, where birders report their sightings. Although Ruby-throats have returned over the entire state of Illinois, I don't think they're at peak abundance yet in the central and northern parts. A few days ago, I just saw my first here in western Pennsylvania, and we're not all that different from you. My guess is that you will be seeing one any day now. Sorry, I don't know the average return date in your area, but I would think it would be early May, with some variation from year to year.

Hang in there, keep your eyes open and keep watching. They could arrive tomorrow, or a week from now, but I don't think it will be much longer than that.

Thanks for your reply. It's the 14th of May now, and I finally saw my first one yesterday. Happy Mothers' Day to me!

Thanks again,
Karen

I'm sorry to be late with this, but CONGRATULATIONS!!! I guess I called it about right. I'm so glad they are finally, at last, gracing your garden.

Karen

Congrats on seeing your first. Many people are seeing their first, getting excited and then not seeing them again for days or maybe only seeing one or two a day and it becomes frustrating because its not what we are used too. We expect that when they are back they are back, but this year it appears it doesnt work that way, at least not yet.