Migration Winding Down

Spring Migration Comes to a Close

From Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario to the Maritime provinces, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are reaching their northern limits. Some reports indicate Canadian wildfires could be affecting arrivals.

Peter in Colinton, AB: “Male feeding at our feeder. Very late this year perhaps because of the fires? Seen at 1200 hrs.” (05/28/2023)

Similarly, only a few “first” reports of Rufous Hummingbirds came in, indicating that these hummingbirds also are reaching their breeding territories.

Summer Fuel for Hummingbirds

With spring migration winding down it is time to tend pollinator gardens and keep hummingbird feeders full, fresh, and clean. Please remember our message of NO RED DYE. The last thing we want to do is to harm hummingbirds. Do not use red-dye solution or add red food coloring in your hummingbird feeders. 

Report Other Observations

If you notice territorial behavior, courtship displays, or hummingbird nests and eggs, please report your 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.

Tilly in Sanford, MI: “Image: taken afer 9 PM. The little Mr was getting a few sips of nectar before he went to bed… The temperatures are getting warmer, so the clematis vine surrounding this feeder will bloom soon…” (05/28/2023)

James in Guillver, MI: “… Chasing was often steady this week, and activity slightly increased by the 28th of May, estimating six to eight RTHBs around the feeder territory. Observed females perched near ground in fields at least three times with a male doing his display flight above, once or twice the females didn’t seem to accept him…” (05/28/2023)

Amy in Newburgh, IN: “Adult male Ruby throated hummingbird.
Sipping nectar on the Purple and Bloom Salvia. Always a favorite for these little hummingbirds.” (05/29/2023)