First Hummingbird of 2011

I can report two dramatic developments here at Cary BirdCam. One, less happy, was our worst tornado outbreaks since 1984. Lots of damage from one funnel that chopped its way from Sanford through Raleigh and well beyond. I was apparently within a mile of that storm while visiting Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. Not fun! But more pleasantly, I've spotted my first Ruby Throated Hummingbird of the season. That bird, a male, buzzed me as I planted wildflowers near the house. I've been expecting a first sighting: we often spot some bird in mid- or late-April. The resident females may not arrive until May. That encounter made my morning! I am looking forward to more of them and definely not any more funnel clouds!