Stop and Go
September 12, 2017 by Rita Welch
  Hummingbird migration is a stop and go journey. From north to south, where can they rest and refuel?  


"Migration is bittersweet," wrote Connie Etter from Martinsville, Indiana on September 5, 2017

On the Move
According to observers, the migration is spread out from Manitoba, Canada to Tamaulipas, Mexico. From single-bird sightings in the north, to multiple arrivals in the south, hummers are on the move.

Gowganda, Ontario
"Numbers down..see only one at a time per day..." wrote Gert on September 5th.

Karnack, Texas
"On September 5th, I had 4 feeders out and refilled twice. The hummers consumed 2 gallons of sugar water. I estimate there were 30, mixed males & juveniles or females. That night, we had a cold front from the north and the next morning there were only a dozen or so," reported Patty.

Post-storm Habitat
As peak migration reaches the Texas Gulf Coast, Hurricane Harvey's impact on nectar sources is of concern. The region is an important stopover habitat.

Rockport, Texas
"We saw one lone bird while checking our house after the storm. There are no nectar plants with flowers around," reported Tracy on August 29th.

Across the Gulf states, hummingbird festivals are scheduled to celebrate the migration's traditional arrival from mid-September through October. Of note, this year's Rockport Hummingbird Festival had to be canceled due to storm damage.

Hungry Travelers
As hummers move south, they must find places to rest and refuel along the way. Is your yard a welcoming stopover site for hungry migrants?

 

 
North to South
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Shelley O'Connell
 
Altamont, New York
Jennifer Ford
 
Matamoros, Tamaulipas
Hector Silva
Journal: Stopover Sites

Take a tour of your neighborhood with the eyes of a migrating hummingbird. Where would you find habitat to refuel? Which places could be transformed into stopover habitats?

journal
Report Your Sightings

Report at least once per week while hummingbirds are present. With your help, our map will show where hummingbirds are present during the fall migration season.

 


Hummingbird fall sightings
Map | List

 
Next Update September 19, 2017
 
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