For months ruby-throated hummingbirds have been wintering from Panama northward through Central America and southern Mexico.  Over the next few weeks these long-distance migrants will embark on their spring migration.

      The males are the first to arrive in the Peach State.  Typically, they reach extreme South Georgia as early as March 1.  From there they move steadily northward at a pace of roughly 23 miles per day.  Adult males reach my middle Georgia backyard toward the end of the second week in March.  The females follow the males about nine days later.

       With that in mind, if you are a hummingbird fancier, now sis the time to take a hummingbird feeder or two off the shelf, make a batch of nectar, pour some in a feeder, and hang it up in your backyard. Then all you can do is patiently wait for the arrival of your first hummingbird of the year.

       Here is a tip: do not fill your feeders to the brim.  This is because initially you will be feeding only one or two birds at a time.  Consequently, if you fill up your feeders early in the hummingbird season, most of the nectar will spoil long before the birds can consume all of it.

       For the past several years, I have been recording the arrival dates of the first male and female rubythroats.  With that in mind, I would greatly appreciate it if you would report the arrival the first male and female that you see.  Please include t the name of the county where you live when you file your report.

       I know you are excited, as I am that ruby-throated hummingbirds will soon be patrolling our backyards.  Beyond any doubt they enrich our lives.