Had my first Rufous hummingbird of the year in my yard
today. And about the only flowers out this early were
the Indian Plum and the Gummy Gooseberry (Ribes
lobbii). I saw him in the Gooseberry flowers.
I have seldom heard others mention the Ribes as a
hummingbird flower, but I would imagine it is fairly
important because it does flower so early in the
season. In my yard, the Red-flowering Currant is not
blooming yet (barely budding in fact), but the Gummy
Gooseberry has had flowers for at least 2 weeks. They
are at their peak about now.
Pojar states that the Gummy occurs at low to middle
elevations, which about fits where I am (between
Renton and Maple valley). I would hypothesize that R.
Lobbii would be very important early season food for
the hummers in these mid-elevation areas.
Now if we can just find a good source for the plants
to get more into out yards ;)
PS the two I have I purchased over the internet from
Fraser Thimble Farm in BC. I Planted them in the fall
about 3 years ago, and they have done well. Much
better than the others I tried from Oregon and
planting in early summer. ALL of those died;(
It's good to have the hummers back! Spring is here !!
Guy

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Guy McWethy
Renton, WA
mailto: lguy_mcw at yahoo.com

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