Reaching Northern Limits
June is just a few weeks away and hummingbirds are reaching the northern limits of their breeding ranges. As migration begins to wind down, be on the lookout for nests, eggs, territorial behavior, and feeding activity.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
From Alberta to Nova Scotia, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are reaching the northern limits of their breeding range throughout Canada. Explore our map to view the latest observations.
Donna in Saint-Ubalde, QC: “Our first sightings this year. Two females showed up one after the other, around 6:45 pm. They had a nice long drink at the feeder. Welcome back!” (05/12/2022)
Alicia in Stony Mountain, MB: “First one of the season. I just put the feeder up an hour ago! It drank for awhile.” (05/13/2022)
Peter in Colinton, AB: “Male arrived, had a sip of nectar then buzzed off. So glad to see him, we really look forward to arrival.” (05/15/2022)
Tina in Baddeck, NS: “Female on feeder. Cloudy day around 11 Celsius. Glad to see she found the feeders. I’ve had them up for about 3 weeks in anticipation.” (05/16/2022)
Rufous Hummingbird and Other Species
While some Rufous Hummingbirds have reached the northern limit of their breeding range in Southcentral Alaska, others are still moving through Western Canada. Farther south, Calliope Hummingbirds are returning to the Pacific Northwest. And Black-chinned Hummingbirds are being spotted in Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and Oregon.
Christopher in Burmis, AB: “First Female Rufous this year. A little strange, usually the female Calliopes are here first but no females yet.” (05/14/2022)
Margo in Portland, OR: “First Calliope sighting in the early evening at our hummingbird feeder.” (05/15/2022)
Kurt in Sparks, NV: “[Black-chinned Hummingbird] perched upon my backyard fence near feeder.” (05/09/2022)
Other Observations
Summer is approaching and migration is beginning to wind down. If you notice territorial behavior or find hummingbird nests, please report these observations under Hummingbird, Other Observations. And if you see hummingbirds feeding on flowers, please report these observations under Hummingbird, Nectaring from Flowers. If you know plant names, submit this information in the comment section.
Marjorie in Lowell, MI: “The salvia plants are still in pots on the picnic table. I took a break from gardening, got my camera and this male ruby-throated hummingbird found the purple salvia.” (05/16/2022)
