First hummingbird of the season checks in

My hummingbird is back.

She flew in on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, and I first noticed her at 6:21 p.m., at my sugar-water feeder. I had been peeking outside all day hoping for a hummer, and had about decided this would be my year of disappointment. I was chiding myself for putting up my feeder before a bird arrived, thinking I might have cast an unlucky jinx.

So I danced a little jig when I saw her fly up to the feeder and take a long swig of sugar-water. Success at last.

I had been spoiled by four straight years of a hummingbird showing up like clockwork on March 17. I guess I even felt a bit entitled. But what I feel now is simply grateful. I’m sure glad she showed up.

I know some lucky people have the little birds year round, and others have them show up in February. But for most of us, March is the beginning of hummingbird season, and in Texas, that can mean nine different species – buff-bellied, Lucifer, green violet-ear, rufous, broad-tailed, Anna’s, broad-billed, blackchinned, ruby-throated, and blue-throated.

Worldwide, there are 320 hummingbird species, of which 18 reside in the United States. Out of all these birds, I’m lucky one has shown up at my place.

I hope you also have one – or more – at your place.