Hummingbirds depart, bringing joy on their southern path
We’re getting to the tail end of hummingbird migration, with most adult male hummingbirds gone from northern breeding grounds, leaving juveniles and some females for birders in these areas to enjoy, even if it’s only for a little bit longer.
Some male hummingbirds head for warmer weather as early as July. Still, most migration happens near the end of August or beginning of September, making for quiet feeders and pollinator gardens that were full of life a month ago.
Growth of a Program
Journey North began at the dawn of the internet. Early efforts to track wildlife migrations were done the "old-fashioned" way, via phone, letters, and emails. Online data entry systems were in their infancy. Experts in the field provided detailed information to Journey North staff, who then displayed this information on static maps and shared updates with the public through emailed news stories. Many educators and students, the early audience of these migration stories, benefited greatly from hearing directly from experts.
As first sightings continue, participants provide behavior updates
While some first observations are still rolling in, we're receiving reports of hummingbird activities from across the continent, including the start of mating and frequent visits to flowers and feeders.