Hummingbird migration is underway

Orange denotes the range of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

What better sign of spring is news that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have made the arduous crossing of the Gulf of Mexico and have flown into America's southland.

Most of the sightings have been in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, George and Florida, but one intrepid individual has reached South Carolina already. Judging from the map, it appears that the bird arrived along the coast near Charleston on March 17.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds usually arrive in the Lehigh Valley around the time you're desperately trying to finish your tax returns. Last year the Ruby-throats got here three days ahead of the April 15 tax deadline. But the date of sightings varies from year to year. The earliest reported contact in the Lehigh Valley occurred on March 29, 2008. The latest was April 27, 1998.

Why do some birds get here early and some get here late? Lanny Chambers, who operates the reporting service, said it's impossible to know and he won't speculate.

With snow having fallen on Friday, it may seem that the idea of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds visiting our backyards is premature. Not so. Again, migration is dependent upon many factors of nature not just temperature.

Are your hummingbird feeders ready? Have they been thoroughly cleaned from last year's use? Do you need a replacement or an addition? Would you like to try the hobby for the first time? The Bird House offers a variety of hummingbird feeders in different designs and price points. We also offer nectar powder. Unlike homemade sugar-based nectar, the powder does not need to be boiled. Just add tap water.

You can report your first sighting online. Click on hummingbirds.net/map.html. You'll be directed to a form that will ask you to list the month, day and location. Only male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are to be reported because they are so easily distinguishable. Several species of female hummingbirds look somewhat alike. Also, do not report sightings from previous years.

Lanny Chambers, of St. Louis, began the reporting service in 1996. A dedicated hummingbird enthusiast, his project is truly a labor of love.