MD Osprey:

The March 27 record was from a customer of ours when my wife and I owned a 
wild bird store in Columbia, MD. We sponsored a contest for the customer 
that was the first to spot a returning/migrating hummer in the area. The 
winner told us that their bird was seen hovering around where the feeder 
normal hung, even though they had not yet put it up for the season. When 
then did, the bird began feeding. It was, as expected, a male -- since 
males migrate before the females.

This bird was probably a migrant, moving through. From banding studies, 
hummers are known to have excellent memories for feeding stations while in 
migration. More secrets for having lots of hummers, besides what George has 
already offered, is to have lots of feeders (to reduce competition) and, to 
capture the migrants, start early and keep them up late.

I believe I later heard of a local report for March 24, but I don't 
remember the details.

Hope this helps.

Phil


At 08:50 03/25/2005, George Jett wrote:
>It time to put out your hummingbird feeders.  Early date is about March 27 
>from the Yellowbook.  I put one on both sides of the house so they have 
>two opportunities to find the feeders.  I suggest starting with one part 
>sugar to three parts water.  Boil the water, let cool, and fill your 
>feeders.  No color additives are necessary and may be harmful.  If you put 
>them out they will come.  If it is warm (above 60 degrees) for a couple 
>days, change the mixture, but be patient.
>
>There is a hummingbird website that you can look at to track the movement 
>of the birds north.  See:   http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html.

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Phil Davis      Davidsonville, Maryland     USA
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