On 5/23/2012 1:09 PM, Bob Mumford wrote:
> Normally when the Tulip Poplars are in bloom (as now) the hummers disappear
>   from feeders for a couple of weeks, as the nectar is so abundant in the
> poplar  trees.  I haven't had "mine" in about two weeks.
>
> I suspect in a week or so, everyone's hummers will be back at their feeders
>   and all will be right with the world.

I have always linked this disappearance to the blooming of Japanese 
honeysuckle but didn't know if the honeysuckle was the cause or a 
coincidence. But you are correct - the Tulip Poplars are also in bloom - 
so there is a lot of natural nectar out there for them.

This is the usual sequence of events around my house -
The first hummers show up around April 20.
I may occasionally see a couple through May.
When the honeysuckle blooms, I may not see any for 7 - 10 days.
After that, the numbers at the feeders start building til the maximum 
about the second week in August and then they taper off until all are 
gone by the end of September or beginning of October.

Les

===========
Les Eastman
mailto:[log in to unmask]
Havre de Grace, MD

The eagle looked down on the river below
And he wrapped his wings round him and he fell like a stone
And the big salmon fought but the talons held true
And he shuddered as the world turned from silver to blue
                               Steve Earle

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