Riding the Winds

Heavy Migration 

It was a fantastic week for Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Aided by strong southern winds first sightings were reported all the way north into Maine.  Over 360 observers reported their first sightings, many from the leading edge of the migration in Minnesota, Vermont, Ontario, Ohio, Ontario, and Michigan. 

“Watching the orioles fight over the hummingbird feeder when a Ruby-throat female dropped into the scene. Now they’re taking turns coming to the feeder. Yippee-!” Cleveland, Ohio on May 2nd.

“I just saw my first hummingbird! Caught him just as he was leaving feeder! The warm weather has really brought the birds back!” Union Mills, Indiana on May 2nd.

“I was just making a bet with a friend on which day we’d first see one when a male scoped out the feeder without stopping. Bets off…lol.” Bedford, New Hampshire on May 2nd.

Rufous Moving to Interior

As is typical at this time of spring, Rufous hummingbirds are being reported across western British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, and have moved across Idaho into western Montana.

“Two Rufous hummers have been feeding fairly regularly now. Looking forward to the mob to show up.” Sale, Idaho on April 26th.

“Finally after a very cold snowy and wet April I saw my first hummingbird today. Previous years were April 20, 21, and 26th with a male rufous at the feeder. Today it was a female.” Kimberley, British Columbia on April 30th.

Other Species

It seems that every hummingbird species migration is in full swing. Black-chins, Broad-tails and Calliopes all reported across the mountainous west. Lots of mating activity being reported.

“Last week, there were just two male Calliopes, then a couple of females followed. But on April 30 at dusk, the feeder attracted a full troop of mostly females and a couple of additional males. Male courtship dives now occurring non-stop throughout the day in a ‘target-rich’ environment of hummer females.” Osoyoos, British Columbia on April 30th.