Summer Fun Begins
This is our final hummingbird news update for spring 2022. Thank you for following along and sharing your observations. Please continue to report observations of territorial behavior, courtship displays, nests, eggs, and nectaring activity throughout summer. And mark your calendars: June 20–26 is Pollinator Week!
Another Great Season
The 2022 spring migration season is coming to an end. We hope these migration updates have provided you a sense of joy and wonder. Please know that your reports contribute valuable data and help efforts to protect hummingbirds throughout North America. Thank you for following along and sharing your observations.
Nectaring and Other Observations
Summer is a week away. As the breeding season ramps up, continue to report your observations under these reporting categories:
Hummingbird, Nectaring from Flowers — Please submit photos when possible. In your comments, list the hummingbird and plant species observed.
Linda in Hobart, IN: "Feeding from purple and fuchsia salvias, firecracker vermillionaire and nearby feeder. Another hummingbird would also stop in at the flowers and get chased off after feeding." (05/31/2022)
Hummingbird (OTHER Observations) — Observations included in this reporting category include defending territories, nest building, and raising young. Please submit photos when possible. In your comments, list behavior and hummingbird species observed.
Angela in Chesterfield, MI: "Over the course of nearly 2 weeks preceding Memorial Day, I watched several Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds make numerous trips to the cage of nesting material we have hanging in our backyard . . . Today I found her little nest perched on top of a pinecone in a nearby tree. Mom-bird returned, fed her baby/babies, and settled back comfortably on her nest. I'm ecstatic." (06/06/2022)
Hummingbird, Other Species Sighted — Species tracked include Ruby-throated, Rufous, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, Anna's, Allen’s, Costa’s, and Calliope Hummingbirds. Please submit photos when possible. In your comments, list hummingbird species observed.
Lynn S in Juneau, AK: "Pulled into driveway around 11:30 AM and there was a small Anna’s Hummingbird at my feeder!" (05/27/2022)
Here Come the Hummerlings
Juvenile hummingbirds — "hummerlings" as they're called at Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History — can be difficult to distinguish from adult female hummingbirds. One tip is to look for signs of inexperience as young birds explore surroundings and hone feeding skills.
Pollinator Week is Coming Up!
Pollinator Week is June 20–26. It's a time to celebrate hummingbirds and other pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. There are many ways to participate, including joining our Pollinator Patch mapping effort. We can all play our part to secure a healthier, more sustainable future for pollinators.
