Have been meaning to post this for days. Saw the spring hummer scout feeding from the honeysuckle, one week ago today! Anyone else seen an early bird checking out their gardens for the summer diners?
Unfortunately with my 40 foot perennial bed alllll torn up and my usual plantings a step behind because they are in pots, I'm afraid my scout stopped, looked, and turned on his heels and hummed on down the road. Wouldn't blame him! What I HAVE been surprised about is the butterflies I normally see later in the spring have been fluttering around! Of course, having that lovely passion vine (thank you, Maggie) has helped bring them in even more. My abelia is especially fragrant this year too! There are advantages to a no-winter year!
I just put this pic on the home page to announce this year's first arrivals, but since it will only be there temporarily, I'll record it here too. Two of them have been feeding at the same time on the Kniphofia this week.
Maggie, I want a red hot poker, but Christine doesn't like them, wonder if she would notice if I put one in and said nothing?
Go for it Terry!!! You only live once!!!If she packs your bags then you can always come to TEXAS!!
This must be a guy thing. I planted our clump because lars was intrigued by the photos he had seen of um. I would rather have one of the softer colored yellow cultivars, but have this one because it is often available locally and I have been too indolent to mail-order a prettier one! Maybe Christine could better tolerate a solid colored one too ;-) The 'Underway' looks good - a peachy orange that fades to a softer yellow.
OH OH OH there was a Ruby Throat hummer feeding only 3 ft from me this morning!!! no camera with me, of course 
I have never seen them feed from larkspur before, but this one was loving it.
I was following a hummer around the garden today, taking mental note of all he fed from. It always fascinates me to see all the blooms they sup on that are not commonly listed as HB attractions.
Any way, when I saw it fly into the greenhouse shed, I snatched camera (had been bothering a poor robin with it earlier) and got some close shots of him before he found his way out again. 
Strange, he seemed to be panting, but suspect it was a fright symptom. Poor dear thing. 
The tiny dancers are going get cold tonight. Hope they haven't packed up for the year, already 
