Congrats! It seems that the first time you have the good fortune of a visit, it's a mesmerizing experience. Not that subsequent visits are any less special of course. We also had our first encounter last week. After being inspired to create some sort of hummer-friendly space after our visit to the Arizona Sanora Desert Museum last winter, I was beginning to wonder if my work had been in vain. Then, as I was out weeding in the afternoon, I heard what sounded like the biggest bumblebee in the world beside me. Somewhat concerned, I turned to see a very large ruby-throat hovering in front of the coral honeysuckle vine. Shortly after it left, we were visited by a much smaller, bright green ruby. It stayed for several minutes, feeding on the honeysuckle, cardinal flower and various salvias we've "installed." Here's to more visits and further encounters with the little winged wonders!

Thank you, Penny, Oubliette, jenny and Roberta! I am ever more hopeful for an entire summer of hummers next season! -Thank you all for sharing your experiences and for your encouragement and support. : ) Oubliette, I have yet to hear the voice of a hummingbird -well, in the feather, that is (have heard recordings though), but I did once catch wind of the hum of this one's wings! -a unique sound, that! It's good to know that they have a voice -I look forward to listening in! You don't say, jenny! -way up on the 18th floor?!!! -I had no idea the heights these wee wildlings would go to! I really must share this with a friend of mine who's balcony is 15 lower than that -Wow, I would have never guessed! Thank you for sharing. I know I'll likely never see the numbers that California Frank is graced with (just saw his photo album - Wow! -hummingbird heaven!), but one, two or even a few jewels setting claim on my small urban garden will fit just right. Keep a humm in your heart! ~Shadyswing

Tisha, I can't imagine why they haven't found your yard. Have you asked your neighbors if anyone ever has any hummers? It seems if they are around the neighborhood, they'd stumble across your yard at some point, especially since you have feeders out. They do eat insects, and feed the insects to their young as well, so if you happen to live in a neighborhood where a lot of people regularly use pesticides, or where the city or county routinely sprays for mosquitoes, that could be impeding your insect population which might cause the hummers to go elsewhere looking for the insects they need. We have had a whole lot of hummers here in Love County--many more than usual. I'm not seeing as many right now, but that is probably because they are hatching and caring for their young. Once the little ones begin to fly, it gets busy again. I still see them, but just not as often as I was about 3 weeks ago. The times I am most likely to see them are early in the morning, shortly after sunup, and then in the evening, not too long before sunset. I guess they are coming to the feeders for breakfast and dinner, but apparently not for lunch. Sometimes I put up a patio mister for them and they come and either play in the mist or bathe in it. A sprinkler also will attract them. Don't give up. Keep the feeders out and keep your eyes open. I think they'll find you sooner or later. Dawn

These doggie faces who have passed.....Sob! It's so sweet to hear from you all and to hear stories of your kids. I hope that there is a heaven and that we will see them all again. My late Dad, who died on Valentine's Day 2007, was a huge dog lover, and we had Brittanys growing up, but just one at a time that he trained and bird hunted with. Dad was at home under hospice care, sitting in his recliner in their living room. Mum and I were sitting on the sofa. Dad looked up at the ceiling, and said with this look of wonder on his face, 'They have DOGS up there!' Dad was not religious, and the only time he went to church was for a wedding or funeral, so Mum and I were shocked. Hospice had told us that he might say odd things as he neared the end, but when we heard that, we knew he'd be OK. The last picture that I have of Dad is of him laying on a hospital bed in their guest room, with his Brittany, Beau, laying on top of him, cuddling. That's the way a dog lover should spend his last days.