Hi, All:

Yes, my hummingbirds are scarce, also. I always thought it was because they
were concentrating on insects to feed their young. I have a lot more
females; in my out-of-the-way corner I have about 8 female black chins,
about the same number of rufuous and a couple of calliope (the counts, of
course, are individuals seen at one time - for all I know there may be twice
as many!) I have only seen one rufuous male (once!), one calliope male and
two black-chinned males at one time and the males are still showing up at
the feeders along with a couple of female rufuous. Also, a lot more flowers
available now around here to help them. My experience is that they do come
back, with young in tow, later in the season.

Regards, Joanne
Reardan (Spokane) WA
mailto: jhpowell at iea.com