Ruby-throated Hummingbird is Back

Had our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the season at our feeders on Wednesday. That's the earliest date I've got for a returning migrant by more than a week. It's that darn global warming I guess. We also still have a male Rufous hummingbird frequenting our yard. Spring comes early to Southeast Texas, and the azaleas and honeysuckle are already in bloom here. I know, I know...global warming again. It's the all-purpose useful explanation. If a bird is early or late it's due to global warming. If present or absent in winter, ditto. Cold fronts, heat waves, deluges, droughts - global warming, global warming, global warming, global warming.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird makes 128 species for the year to date (pathetic). Only other recent addition to the year list was a Spotted Sandpiper at Riverfront Park in Beaumont on February 29th. My abortive attempt at a big year continues, if in name only. Coming soon - bird #129!