Colder Temps in North. More Sightings in Southern U.S.

October 1, 2019 by Team Journey North

Our second sighting of an Albino hummingbird and more interesting fall observations within.

“This hummingbird…have been eating sugar water from our feeder…It seemed to be cold and just sat there with its beak pointing up.” A report from Bix (Fairfax, MN; 09/27/2019)

Fattening Up, Fluffing Out, and Flying South

The number of sightings in Canada and northern U.S. are dwindling. Where hummingbirds remain in northern climes, they were eating voraciously and trying to cope with colder daytime temperature. Journey North citizen scientist, Bix, captured this cover photo of a Ruby-throated hummingbird in Minnesota at the feeder. Only a few nectaring flowers remain. Keep your feeder up for the stragglers. Don’t be concerned: Your feeder will not cause hummingbirds to stay longer than they should.

From Chatham-Kent, ON: Linda observed one remaining hummer who “visited the feeder many times.” (09/29/2019)

From Newburgh, IN: Amy has only seen “2 hummingbirds at the feeders and on the flowers.” (09/29/2019)

Increasing Numbers of Hummmingbirds Observed in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas

From El Dorado, AR: Parks observed, “Three adult males accompanied by nine females intently nectaring at my six back deck feeders. (09/27/2019)

From Cumby, TX: Jill observed 30 hummingbirds at her 3 feeders. “We fill feeders 2-3 times per day. This is the most hummers we’ve seen in many years. We love it!” (09/28/2019)

Still Seeing Activity Along Mid-Atlantic States

From Highland, MD: Linda was surprised to still see “a lot of activity” with 4 hummingbirds at her feeder.  (09/29/2019)

From Rockville, MD: Lilian observed 3 hummingbirds in her backyard “perched on an azalea branch…nectaring from the Cardinal Climber, Salvias, Mexican Sunflowers and Imaptiens” all flowers still blooming in her yard. (09/27/2019)

Second All White Hummingbird Sighted

Journey North August 27, 2019 News Update reported an unusual sighting of a white hummingbird. This sightings was submitted by David, in Porter, OK (link to sighting record). 

To recap the information on this unusual sighting, there are two types of all white hummingbirds: true albino hummingbirds and Leucistic hummingbirds.

  • True albino hummingbirds have white feathers, pink eyes, feet, and bills.
  • Leucistic hummingbirds still have their “normal” black eyes, feet, and bills. However, the feathers of Leucistic hummingbirds are pure white, tan, or gray instead of their “normal” plumage colors.

Again, from M’s submission, it appears we have our second Albino hummingbird sighting for the Fall 2019 season.  

From Pekin, IL: M observed an “Albino hummingbird sighting this morning.” (09/27/2019)

 

How Do Hummingbirds Eat?