Two male hummingbirds appeared at my feeder this afternoon, the first of the season. I've kept a single feeder up since mid-March, since I hate to see the first arrivals disappointed when they come to the usual hanging spots. Year after year, the birds remember precisely where the feeders should be, and if there's not one present they'll fly in a swooping circle around the site as if they can't quite believe it's missing.
It's especially sweet that they showed up today. Almost makes me believe in the Easter Bunny. There aren't many things in life that give me pure, uncomplicated joy, but the annual return of the hummingbirds always does. (I think I said that in a post last year, and probably the year before. Reiteration is part of the pleasure.)
If you don't have real hummingbirds to watch--or even if you do--you might want to go here to see a collection of John Gould's beautiful hummingbird prints. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.
Photo of a male ruby-throated hummingbird from Wikimedia Commons.
4 comments:
I put my hummingbird feeders up early, too. Don't want to disappoint my yearly guests! Congratulations on having yours return today.
I brought my feeder in this morning, for my pair haven't arrived yet, and I saw the syrup had gotten moldy, which is death to hummingbirds. That's not the greeting I want them to receive!
Now that they've arrived where you are, I'd guess that they'll be where I am in two weeks. Think this is a long comment about such little birds? Yes, but it's a big deal to me!
Isn't it funny how excited we get about this? Making nectar all summer is kind of a pain, but I am always thrilled when the little guys show up. Be sure to post when yours arrive!
What a beautiful little "friend"! :)
They are gorgeous, stella--you would enjoy them. They love to chatter and squabble. Are you seeing signs of spring there? I hope so ;-)
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