Still Passing Through

Late Travelers 

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are still being reported in the Upper Midwest, Ontario, and even Quebec as November approaches and temperatures continue to drop. How much longer will they remain in these areas?

Nel in Flossmoor, IL: “3:35 this afternoon with gusty winds, a storm approaching and heavy landscaping going on nearby, I watched a hummer visit the fresh feeders and then come back about 10 minutes later.” (10/20/2021)

Scarlett in Waterloo, QC: “When we first spotted this traveler on Monday, we thought it was a fluke, but as she kept coming back, day after day, we finally put the feeder out… again, and first thing this morning, there she was. This is so unusual for our region. Normally by the third week of September, the party’s over. We are still in disbelief! We have night-time temps of 3°C.” (10/23/2021)

Gesine in Lincoln, ON: “I took this photo at day break at 7:23 a.m. He was here all day. I saw him around 6 p.m. still feeding from the Tube Feeder.” (10/24/2021)

Stragglers that have moved on are being spotted by Journey North observers in the Southeast.

Sara in Raleigh, NC: “I happened to look up this morning in time to see a little guy on my feeder. It was about 49-50 degrees at 9:15 am. My latest sighting ever! He zipped off & I didn’t see him again. I feel so lucky to have seen him!” (10/20/2021)

Along the Gulf Coast 

Migratory activity remains steady along the Gulf Coast with both Rufous and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fueling up.

Clara in Angleton, TX: “This juvenile male hummingbird showed up on 10/21/21 and was only feeding on flowers (Turks cap and firecracker plant). He tried a couple of feeders but didn’t act like he knew what to do. He came early the next morning and fed from feeder every 10-15 minutes for a couple of hours. Never saw him again all day, before sunset or the next morning at sunrise. I was hoping to attract a Rufous to my garden this year and curious if he would decide to winter here. I am happy to have played a small part in helping him on his journey.” (10/22/2021)

Carla in Crowley, LA: “One of two plump juvenile males is pictured here. The Vemillionare cuphea below the feeder are raided by both! No winds, high 80s and heavy morning fog for now. Watching hummers daily with a cool front and 25 mph winds forecast for Oct. 27 & 28.” (10/25/2021)

Out West

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are stopping by feeders in New Mexico, and Anna’s Hummingbirds are ranging from the Pacific Northwest to Central California.

Rene in Santa Fe, NM: “Female Broad-tailed Hummingbird visiting one of our home feeders at 7:37 a.m.” (10/19/2021)

Tom in Hanford, CA: “Still have 6 Male Anna’s.” (10/19/2021)

Mary in Summer Lake, OR: “Anna’s hummingbird at feeder, 3:50 pm.” (10/19/2021)

Reports are coming in as far north as Washington and British Columbia, although the hummingbird species are not specified. Based on these locations, do you have any guesses? Perhaps Anna’s, Rufous, or Calliope?

Marilyn in Kitimat-Stikine, BC: “I think it was a young hummingbird feeding from our hanging basket of flowers.” (10/17/2021)

Shelly in Liberty Lake, WA: “We saw this one nectaring from our feeder.” (10/22/2021)

Keep Reporting and Keep Feeders Up

If you’re still observing hummingbird activity, keep reporting to Journey North. And remember to keep your feeders up at least a couple weeks after your last sighting. As Journey North citizen scientists can attest, it’s important to keep feeders up even after your last sighting – stragglers may yet stop by!

Joann in Snow Hill, MD: “I had not seen a hummingbird in weeks had taken down the feeder. Happened to be outside and heard one, saw it trying to feed at my hibiscus. So quickly made syrup cooled it and hung it up. My little buddy showed up. Very friendly - had no fear of me being close. Stayed for quite a while resting on the feeder.” (10/20/2021)