Yesterday I sighted the first Ruby Throated Hummingbird at the feeder I filled and set out last week. I’m hoping it is a scout that will give a good report back to the flock that there is really top grade nectar in our garden. The feeder is placed so that we have a clear view from the screened porch, and we are looking forward to frequent sightings over the summer.

One of my neighbors in Chapel Hill advised me to have my feeder filled and ready by the 11th of April. He said that is about the time the hummingbird scouts make it to this part of North Carolina. I have followed that advice for the last sixteen years, and in only one year did the hummers fail to find our feeder in the first week. With luck (and a good report from the scout) we may have a few hummingbird families making their homes in our garden this year.