Just to supply some contrary observations:
I've been noticing very good numbers of Rufous Hummingbirds this past
month at Luckiamute State Natural Area, making use of an abundant bloom
of both Oregon-grape and red-flowering currant.
Both of these native flowering shrubs -- both good nectar sources --
seemed to stay in bloom longer than usual this year, perhaps due to the
mostly cool wet weather during early April after these shrubs started
blooming.
If some folks are seeing fewer hummingbirds than usual at sugar-water
feeders than in past year, perhaps it's because natural nectar sources
were more abundant than usual.
However at our place north of Corvallis, there has been no dearth of
Rufous Hummingbirds. If anything, we were seeing more than usual at
least through April 18th (I've been away since then). But we do have
quite a bit of red-flowering currant planted around our yard.
Good birding,
Joel
--
Joel Geier
temporarily in Nancy, France
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