They've Arrived!

October 24, 2017 by Rita Welch

The first ruby-throated hummingbirds, a male and a female, arrived at our observation post in Costa Rica, the far end of the wintering grounds.

“I took this photo of the female ruby-throat while our resident Cinnamon hummer was dive bombing the male arrival,” wrote Patricia Nethercote from Costa Rica on October 22nd.

News from the Wintering Grounds

“A mature male arrived on October 20th and a female arrived on the 21st,” reported Patricia Nethercote from her home in Bagaces, Guanacaste in the foothills of the Miravalles Volcano.

“The average arrival date for ruby-throated hummingbirds is October 21st. It’s usually one of the wettest times of the year, but it is warm. Daytime temperatures are typically in the high 80º’s or low 90º’s. Nights are 10-15º cooler.”

Keep Watching and Reporting

Even though migration is nearing the end, people continue to report hummingbirds passing through. There are even sightings still coming in from Canada. Keep watching! Tracking will continue through the winter to document where hummingbirds are present.

Thank You, Citizen Scientists

As hummingbirds reach their winter home, it’s time to thank all of our citizen scientists who make tracking migration possible. Your observations and photos help tell the story of fall migration and document how each season is unique.

Celebrate the Season: Telling the Story of Fall Migration