Hummingbird
Migration Update: February 10, 2005
Welcome
to Hummingbird Migration 2005 Tracking
Two Species: Which is Which? The tiniest birds on the planet don't stick around in places where ice and snow are the normal scene in winter. That means Ruby-throated hummingbirds are on their tropical wintering grounds. They're enjoying sunny skies, toasty temps, and plenty of food. The first migrating Ruby-throats usually start appearing in March. No Ruby-throat news today! Although most hummers fly to the tropics in the fall, some Rufous (and other western species) migrate to the southeastern states in winter. Now it appears that a very few are starting the journey north. A BIG thanks to Mr. Mike Patterson for sharing Rufous sightings and news with us once again this spring. Here's the latest: Rufous Hummingbird Migration Underway
Much to Mike’s surprise, several reports of returning males came in this week. Click on the map for a closer view and count the states where Rufous hummingbirds have been seen. When was the season's first sighting? What do you notice about the location of the sightings? (Click on the link to Migration Data for exact locations and dates.) Where do you predict most of the next sightings will come from: coastal or inland? South or north? Explain your thinking—and then watch the data in upcoming reports. You're sure to see patterns emerge. Welcome back, Rufous males! Mike carries out his "Hummingbirds and Flowers" study at Oregon's Neawanna Wetland Ecological Observatory. For more, or to report Rufous Hummingbirds, see:
On January 31 our Rufous hummingbird authority, Mike Patterson, made a prediction: “My prediction is that first arrivals will be late this year, because of nasty weather to the south.” Mike based his prediction on the weather at the time, saying, We've been having record setting, warm, spring-like weather on the North Coast, but lots of rain in California. The jet stream is tracking farther south than in the usual winter." Being a person of science, Mike added, “We'll see if what I think I know is close to what really happens.” Here's what happened: On February 8, Mike reported, “I just heard (but haven't seen, yet) my first Rufous hummingbird of the season. I was getting out of my car in the driveway and heard the unmistakable wing-whine.”
Try This! Julian Days and Journaling How much earlier was Mike's 2005 first Rufous than other years? Below are Mike's dates going back to 1998. Mike is using the Julian Day numbering system, and you can too. For example: February 8 is 39 (31 days in January + 8 days in February = 39.) To get a handle on Julian Days, list the calendar dates of all Mike's Rufous sightings. When was the latest first arrival? What is the average date of Mike's first Rufous sighting? After you're done, tell why you think scientists use the Julian Day numbering system. What more can you learn by Googling “Julian Day?” Mike Patterson's First Rufous Arrivals (in Julian Days):
Viola: A Rufous Hummingbird Out of Place
Teacher
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