Journey North Hummingbird Spring 2006

Hummingbird Migration Update: March 30, 2006

Today's Report Includes:

"Data Only" Update This Week
Cold Mid-March Weather: A Look at Temperature Maps
Hummingbird Maps and Data

"Data Only" Update This Week
Just a quick update today to give you the latest maps and data. This week think about how weather affects migration. Watch for a full update next week - and keep watching and listening for hummingbirds!

Cold Mid-March Weather: A Look at Temperature Maps
The hummingbird migration surged northward dramatically between March 9th and 16th, and then suddenly came to a halt. Cold air dropped down from Canada on March 18th and parked over the eastern US for a full week. "The first day of spring felt like the first day of winter," said ornithologist Dr. David Aborn who writes weather and migration reports for Journey North.

These maps show each day's maximum temperature. Click for larger animation. Source: NOAA

How did the cold affect hummingbird migration?

Did the temperatures themselves slow the migration?
Did the cold slow the growth of the spring flowers, and nectar hummingbirds need?
Did the strong north winds associated with the cold keep the hummingbirds at bay?

Let's see what happens in the week ahead as we continue to explore how weather and migration are related.

Hummingbird Maps and Data
After reviewing the Mid-March temperature maps check out the latest hummingbird migration map animations. Can you make a statement about temperature and migration?

Distribution Map

Rufous
Hummingbird
(map) (data)
Slide show (week-by-week animation)

Ruby-throated
Hummingbird
(map) (data)
Slide show (week-by-week animation)

Most data courtesy of Lanny Chambers,
Hummingbirds.net

The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 6, 2006.