Red maples are flowering in southern New England, but I suspect feeders may be of prime importance for those birds that have made it north already.
John DAVID . . . My guess is that this may be one of those years when sapsucker wells--those horizontal, sap-oozing holes made by Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers--may be of more importance than usual in the northern part of the ruby-throat's range. (See images at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek060515.html) Hummers may also take small amounts of sap from tree buds that likely will be bursting early. I suspect warm weather that allows hummers to be further north than usual also will cause earlier-than-normal emergence of insects that will provide needed fats and proteins. The big question may be what will happen if there is a sudden cold snap now that ruby-throats are so far north. Will adults survive? Will early nesters lose the first clutch or eggs--or even a first brood? We'll have to wait and see, i guess. :-) Cheers, BILL