Bought two new feeders yesterday - don't know why, they seldom use the ones I already have when all my flowers are in bloom. I just thought they needed something until that happens. Lowe's had them on sale for 50% off - and I could not pass up a bargain.

DH thought he saw one last week, so I put the feeder out, then it turned cold and now hot. Haven't seen any at the feeder, but would rather have it up and waiting. Had quite a few last year.

Have any of you ever seen them in the middle of the night?? Last year, I had some purple and white petunias planted in a pot on the deck. DH was up late one night and told me he saw one hovering around the petunias. I said "Suuuure you did ...." Low and behold about a week later, I was up late, looked out, and there hovering around the petunias was a hummer! I thought birds slept when it got dark.

It might have been a hummingbird moth. They are often mistaken for hummingbirds. It is almost magicial to see them hovering and zipping from flower to flower just like a hummingbird, but in the late evening.

Here is a link that might be useful: Images of Hummingbird moths

I mistook hummingbird moths for the hummers the first time I saw them. They were hovering over my flowers just after dusk. They're not as shy as the hummers are and that was the first giveaway. But, boy oh boy, they will fool you.

I was right on top of the hummer situation last Spring and had the feeders out before they showed up. I'm straggling this year-thank goodness it's Friday, maybe I can get them out tonight and cook them up some juice.

Cheryl

Melvalena,
Thanks for the reminder! I'll get my two feeders out, sterilize them and brew up a batch of nectar in anticipation of the hummingbirds' arrival.
We have a plant called Mexican honeysuckle, which is a bush, not a vine; does not have a detectable aroma; and the tubular flowers are orange. You couldn't pick a plant that looks less like honeysuckle, but go figure the way plants are named! This plant blossomed all winter and we still have blooms. But, in keeping with all the other oddities of this plant, we have never seen a hummingbird near it, and it is supposedly a magnet for hummers! I think I'll stick with my salvia greggii, nectar feeders and mountain sage.
We wish you a bountiful season of hummingbirds!

50% off at lowes? Do you mind sharing which one? I saw one yesterday but didn't want to pay 16.00.

The Lowes at 2499 and 407, but you might want to call first as they were running low when I was there.

I say my neighbor put his feeders out today, and I remembered tomorrow is March 15th which is when I always put mine out. I am cooking the sugar water tonight. After 97 degrees today, they may appear sooner rather than later!

I got the feeders washed up, and the syrup made but didn't have time to set them out. I'll be sure to get that done tomorrow before I do anything else! I have some salvia starting to bloom and that's usually the first thing they're drawn to at my house.

I can't wait for my first visitor! Can you believe I even dream of them during the winter?

Happy Hummer Days to Everyone!

This is something else I need to do this weekend. Thanks for the reminder!

Sam

I usually put my hummingbird feeders where the goldfinch feeders were, and yesterday's temps may have driven all the goldfinch to cooler climates as I have not seen one today. So I will wait until Monday to put my hummer feeders out just in case there may be a straggler or two of the goldfinch.

Yep, I saw my first one of the season here in Austin yesterday about six PM. It was a male Rubythroat and he must have had a hot date lined up. He hit the feeder for a quick one and zoomed over the house toward the setting sun. When I lived in the Washington, DC area I usually saw my first one about the first of May.

Here, the Rubythroats pass through and the Blackchins settle down about three weeks later. Not much blooming other than flowering trees at this time. The cannas, lilies, and brugmansia are showing signs of life.