Journey South News: Fall 2012
The map is finally showing a pattern of fewer reports, and arrivals are reaching Costa Rica. How long will hummers continue to be seen in the north? The map remains live all winter, so please continue to help us document when and where hummingbirds are present. Join us again on February 6, 2013 for spring migration. Thanks for helping track the hummingbirds' journey!
Image: Vicky Floyd.
Reminder: Please continue to report hummingbirds as long as they are present! Please also report the date of your final sighting. This week's photo shows a species that an abserver in British Columbia saw last week for the first time ever. What is it? Next week's report will wrap up the season with photos, facts and more. Thank you!
Image: Laura Erickson
This week's sightings included our first report of an arrival south of the border, yet hummers are still reported across the land. See what discoveries you can make from observers' comments and fascinating photos.
Image: Frances Koontz
Week #8: Still Seeing Hummingbirds? October 12, 2012
Sighting reports still hold steady with last week. Most observers see just one or two birds now. Find out why fat is a fabulous fuel for hummingbird migration. Keep feeders up and sightings coming!
Image: Glenna Harrower
A dip in sightings for the second week in a row signals the slowdown of the journey south. Thanks, citizen scientists, for sharing the story. Meanwhile, an observer describes hummer winter habitat in Costa Rica, where she awaits her first ruby-throated arrival. Your hummers may be headed there, too. This hummingbird lives there year round; what kind is it?
Image: Patricia Nethercote
The number of sighting reports has dropped by nearly half in the past week. Double-digit reports decreased, while reports of single birds at flowers and feeders increased. The calendar is about to turn to October, and it won't be long before we say, "That's all, folks." Enjoy a rescue story and learn how hummers survive cold nights.
Image: Mary Gulasey
Cooler temps are moving in as fall officially arrives. "Warm nectar is appreciated, and popular on chilly mornings," shared a Michigan hummer observer. "We will continue to serve nectar for at least 2 weeks after the last winged wonder departs." Why are your feeders especially important for this year's fall migration?
Image: Ann Fitzgerald
Another big week of sightings in the south! "We will miss the mighty warriors!" declares an Illinois observer as southbound hummingbirds pass though. Fall migration is a busy time for hummingbird banders; see how 6-year-old Kaylie helped. This week's article and activity focuses on bees at the feeders. What works? Image: Judy Reagan
A rush of sightings came after Tropical Storm Isaac stirred up the weather. "Too many to count," reported a second-grade teacher from Oxford, MS. Tell us what you are seeing now that September is upon us. Having trouble telling males from females, or adults from juveniles? This week's photo gallery and lesson gives tips to identify Rubythroats. Photo: Sue Warden
Citizen scientists share news of hummers on the move. They will soon be disappearing in the north and appearing in larger numbers in the south. This week's slideshow and journal page aid in understanding the month-by-month lives of hummers. Please report your sightings and help us tell this fall's exciting migration story!
Photo: Leon Vermeerschl
Get ready to report your observations this fall as hummingbirds leave your backyard and migrate to their wintering grounds. With your help, we'll make a migration map to show where hummingbirds are present from August through December.