Hummingbirds Return To Grace Our Backyards
Ruby-throated hummingbirds now are being observed in Minnesota, Michigan, and Massachusetts. Rufous hummingbirds have moved northward along the Pacific coast, reaching Alaska. Other Western hummingbird species are moving into their breeding ranges. Please continue to report your Ruby-throated, Rufous, Allen's, Anna's, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Calliope, and Costa’s observations to Journey North!
Photo: Kate in Hanover, MD (04/17/2023)
Rufous Hummingbird Migration Proceeds
Throughout the migration, the Rufous hummingbird migrates into areas where warm temperatures have produced spring flowers and the other foods it needs. Rufous hummingbirds have now reached Alaska, and there has been one observational report submitted by a Journey North observer in Idaho! Very exciting news indeed.
Pam in Kamiah, ID: “Male just came into the feeder.” (04/16/2023)
Fabienne in Juneau, AK: “First rufous hummingbird at the feeder. Wild blueberries are just starting to flower which generally coincides with the first hummingbirds.” (04/16/2023)
Deirdre in Cobble Hill, BC: “This wee female Rufous has been feeding off and on all day! Thrilled to see them back here!” (04/18/2023)
Tim in Nanoose Bay, BC: “Rufous Hummingbird females have arrived.” (04/17/2023)
During spring migration, Rufous hummingbirds travel almost 4,000 miles from Mexico to Alaska. Typically, Rufous Hummingbirds reach the northernmost point of the breeding range in Alaska by mid-May. As temperatures warm inland, the migration expands eastward — away from the coast — toward the Rocky Mountains. Please continue to report your hummingbird sightings to Journey North.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Migration to Surge Northward
In the Central flyway, Ruby-throated hummingbirds have now been spotted as far north as Minnesota in the U.S. but are holding the line in Ontario. They continue to move along the flyway from Texas to the Great Lakes. A migratory surge is expected over the next few weeks. Please share your observations with Journey North.
Lisa in Caro, MI: “Hung the feeder out today. First male at 3:45 pm. He has visited several times. The first time a hummingbird beat the Orioles here!” (04/13/2023)
Along the Atlantic flyway, observers are beginning to see Ruby-throated hummingbirds as far north as Massachusetts.
Ania in Pembroke, MA: “Woke up this morning and noticed that the camera detected male hummingbird feeding. Started at 7am and continued till 10:47am. A traveling one. Still waiting for our hummingbirds to return.” (04/17/2023)
Sandra in Charleston, WV: “First one 2023 at feeder…a few days later than normal. Happy to see him!” (04/17/2023)
Cynthia in Griffin, GA: “Observed her at least 4 times today feeding from this and one other feeder on my window.” (04/13/2023)
Other Hummingbird Species: Allen’s, Anna’s, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, and Costa’s
Journey North observers help track five additional species of migratory hummingbirds. From Texas in the U.S. to the Vancouver region of British Columbia in Canada, observers are seeing Allen’s, Anna’s, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, and Costa’s hummingbirds. Please let us know what you are observing. Don’t forget to include photos and the names of the hummingbird species whenever possible.
Brenda in West Vancouver, BC: “Two adult female Anna’s. One adult male Anna’s. Two adult male Rufous. One adult female rufous. Feeding from hellebore, flowering currant and salmonberry.” (04/11/2023)
Jill in Seven Bays, WA: “Spotted 3 different hummingbirds this evening…a Rufous…a Black-Chinned…The first hummingbird came back to feed 4 times, not sure if it’s fueling up for the night or for more travel.” (04/15/2023)
Lora in San Antonio, TX: “Black-chinned Male Hummingbird was doing display flight as female sat nearby. Both were nectaring at flowers.” (04/13/2023)
Feeders Out and Pollinator Habitats Needed
Finding abundant food and water are crucial during the spring migration of hummingbirds. Migration is energy-draining, and hummingbirds burn through fat reserves quickly. Your pollinator gardens and hummingbird feeders provide needed energy to recharge hungry hummingbirds. Let us know from which plants hummingbirds are nectaring using the reporting category: Hummingbirds, Nectaring From Flowers.
Call For Photos
If possible, please include photos in your reports. Photos are always helpful; they aid in identification and shed light on behavior. However, hummingbirds are not always cooperative subjects. One potential workaround is to take a video and then extract a screenshot to use as a photo. Give it a try!
Learn more in the tutorials below:
