Exciting News!
Rufous reach Alaska. Calliope in Idaho. Broad-tailed still arriving in Colorado. Black-chinned in New Mexico. Ruby-throat reported near South Bend, Indiana.
Cause For Celebration — Rufous Sightings in Alaska
Journey North citizen scientists in Alaska have reported their first sightings of Rufous Hummingbirds.
From Hoonah, AK: Joyce reported seeing her first Rufous this week. “My granddaughter saw one at her feeder down the street, on Sunday the 12th but this is the first one I’ve seen.” (04/15/2020)
From Juneau, AK: Robert & Sandi submitted this report: “Gorgeous, flashy, male Rufous just arrived at our place 3:18 pm. First of the season for us. It arrived on the same exact date this year as last year.” (04/12/2020) Link to report
From Wrangell, AK: Barbara commented, “First one of the year, a female this time, usually it’s a male. Think she was a traveler likely going further north as after eating quite a bit, she headed off that way instead of going the other way to our trees here where they nest every year. Just thrilled that someone still knows the way to our house and look forward to “our” birds who will have their babies here.” (04/12/2020) Link to report
Rufous have also appeared along the border of Washington and Idaho.
From Newman Lake, WA: Jennifer saw her first hummingbird as was “so excited.” (04/09/2020) Link to report
Migration Continues Slowly For Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
It’s been another week of stop and go migration. Cold temperature and even snow in some areas of the mid-west seem to have held back Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The northernmost sighting for a Ruby-throated Hummingbird was seen by Journey North citizen scientist, James, in Mishawaka, IN (near South Bend). The majority of sightings have been submitted by participants in Kansas, Missouri, and in the Chesapeake Bay region.
From Saint Louis, MO: Margy commented, “This male nectared at the bluebells all day long, and hawked tiny insects, ignoring the feeder. So nice to have one back!” (04/15/2020)
From Lusby, MD: Lindsay noted, “First hummer of the season. Female, 8:00 am. Made my day. (04/14/2020)
From Glen Allen, MD: Louise reported heavy use at all her feeders. (04/15/2020)
Western Species
The Southwest has seen slightly warmer temperatures. Broad-tailed and Black-chinned hummingbirds were reported arriving in New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado this week.
From Richfield, UT: Gary observed a “male Broad-tail…lookin strong.” (04/15/2020)
From Alamogordo, NM: Mary noted, “Today I have my first female hummingbird this season, and now I have seen 3 black chin males, 1 broad tailed male so far and as of today, my first female.” (04/11/2020)
Calliope have arrived in Idaho.
From Potlatch, ID: Gary reported a “male Calliope showed up at the feeder 2:15 pm. and comes back about every fifteen minutes. The earliest we’ve seen hummers here is 4/6 and the latest 4/30. Terrain is pine forests surrounding farmland.” (04/16/2020)
Reports on Nectaring Resources
Keep up the great work of providing nectaring resources for hungry hummers.
From New Orleans, LA: Seth submitted this report: “Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird nectaring from Angel Earrings Fuchsia flower. Angel Earrings Fuchsia are heat and humidity tolerant and mine blooms year-round in New Orleans.” (04/12/2020)
Brightening Our Days
Regardless of where you find yourself, take time to gaze out your window or spend time in your backyard. Know that your hummingbird reports are important to all of us here at Journey North. Your reports provide critical data but perhaps, more importantly at this moment in time, your reports give us joy. We hope your hummingbird observations bring you joy too.
From Bowie, MD: Don and Kate wrote, ‘We saw our first hummingbird of the year…after a long day of working at home. This really brightened up our day, and it was our earliest ever sighting! The male fed briefly at both of our feeders, and we suspect that the bird continued his journey north to parts unknown.” (04/14/2020) Link to report
Looking For Fun Activities To Do At Home?
Look no further! Journey North has many resources for anyone with a curious mind. This week our Exploring Together feature presents information on Hummingbird Tongues and Habitat Needs.
