Summer Fun Begins
This is our final hummingbird news update for spring 2023. Thank you for following along and sharing your observational reports. Please continue to report territorial behavior, courtship displays, nests, eggs, and nectaring activity to Journey North throughout the summer. And mark your calendars: June 19 – 25 is Pollinator Week!
Another Great Season
The 2023 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 less than two weeks 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.
Amy in Newburgh, IN: “Apparently it takes a lot of energy to chase of another male Ruby hummingbird. I heard this loud humming and sure enough a chase was happening . Shortly later an adult male Ruby throated hummingbird was sipping nectar on the golden bells cuphea” (06/07/2023)
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.
James in Gulliver, MI: “…no females observed in the past four day period, only one male seen in the area and no longer guarding the feeder since June 4th. Feeder nectar consumption has dropped to effectively zero since June 4th. It is assumed the females are busy on nests, and other males have spread out in the surrounding area. This lull in activity was also noted last season in late June, but the extreme dry conditions now could also be a factor…” (06/08/2023)
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.
William in Waurika, OK: “This appears to be a Black Chinned hummingbird. It has been here for several days.” (06/02/2023)
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 19-25. 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.
