Exploring Nature The Irish Hummingbird

My little Irish hummingbird was a no-show this year. For several years, on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, this black-chinned hummingbird showed up at my kitchen window. That was my cue to quickly hang up a sugar-water feeder for his use. Maybe it’s because of the current virus scare, who knows-- whatever happened, the hummingbird did not show up this year. It may be a lost cause, but I have hung up my feeder anyway. This is the time of year when hummingbirds return to our area and hope springs eternal.

I know many of you have them showing up, and some lucky folks actually have them year-round. I salute you for your superior fortunes and hope you are enjoying these beautiful, buzzing birds.

Worldwide, there are 320 hummingbird species, of which 18 species reside in the United States. We are blessed in Texas with several types. In addition to black- chinned, there are buff-bellied, Lucifer, green violet-ear, rufous, broad-billed, Anna’s, broad-tailed, ruby-throated and blue-throated. The only person I ever knew who saw a blue-throated was Vic Fandrich, of Wimberley — lucky fellow.

Out of all the humming- birds in the world, you would think I might have one. But so far, I have been spurned. No buzzing in my backyard. No zipping around. No flying back- wards. Nada. I hope you are having better luck.