Hummingbirds Brave Rain, Hail and Snow on Their Return to Maine

Friday evening as I was sitting out in my garden chair reviewing some photos of birds and flowers, I suddenly heard the familiar hum of my hummingbirds. I looked up to see the first hummingbird of the season hoovering about 18 inches from my face. I know some would say the curious bird was just checking out the area, but I prefer to believe he was stopping to say hello.

I have read experts say that hummingbirds do not return to the same house each year, but I don't believe them. This little hummingbird visited my two feeders and immediately went to the site where I typically hang another. There was nothing there to attract him, other than his memory of the feeder from previous years.

So far, I have seen two males. There may be others, but I haven't seen more than two together, yet. I must admit I feel a little bad for them. So far they have had one day of sunshine, a thunderstorm, a hailstorm and today they are braving snow and chilling winds. I'm sure they are reconsidering their decision to venture into the backwoods of Maine.

I am delighted to see them, of course, as they symbolize the beginning of green, growing things for me. I hope you are enjoying the arrival of spring.

                                                      Until Next Time . . . HAPPY GARDENING!