Journey North Hummingbird Spring 2006

Hummingbird Migration Update: April 6, 2006

Today's Report Includes:

Latest Hummingbird Migration Maps and Data
Here Comes My Hummingbird!
Early Sighting in Alaska Raises Questions: Should We Keep it on the Map?
Waiting for One Special Hummingbird: Challenge Question #6
Discussion of CQ#5: Why Are the Migrations So Different?
Please Report Your Sightings!

Hummingbird Migration Maps and Data

What a week! As predicted, the weather warmed and the migrations surged forward. Take a look:

Distribution Map

Rufous
Hummingbird

(map) (data)
(week-by-week animation)

Ruby-throated
Hummingbird

(map) (data)
(week-by-week animation)

Most data courtesy of Lanny Chambers,
Hummingbirds.net

Here Comes My Hummingbird!

Where is the hummingbird that is closest to you? Look at the map and measure the distance.

When do you think your first hummingbird will arrive?

Here's a weekly record sheet for your measurements and predictions >>

Early Sighting in Alaska Raises Questions: Should We Keep it on the Map?

Two weeks ago, a very early hummingbird was reported in Alaska. That March 21st sighting was questioned by Mr. Gus van Vliet, an Alaskan who keeps migration records there: "This observation would smash the previous record early arrival date for Juneau by at least 10 days," he remarked.

Now, two more hummingbirds have been reported from Alaska. They give us more evidence as we try to decide: Should we keep the early record on the map? Evaluate the situation and share your advice! Here is a framework to help you:

Early Sighting in Alaska Raises Questions: Should We Keep it on the Map?

Waiting for One Special Hummingbird: Challenge Question #6

Mr. Lanny Chambers collects spring migration records of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and forwards them to Journey North. Last year he gathered about 3,000! Most of the sightings on our migration map are due to his generosity.

This is why we watch every spring for Mr. Chambers' first of the season. Since 1994 he has kept arrival records for his home near St. Louis, Missouri. When will that special bird arrive this year? Take a look at his data and make a prediction:

Waiting for One Special Hummingbird: Mr. Chambers' Records

Lanny Chambers

Challenge Question #6
"What is the average date Mr. Lanny Chambers first sees a hummingbird? What is the range of dates? Most important of all, when do you predict he will see his first hummingbird this year?"

To respond to this question, please follow these instructions.

Discussion of Challenge Question #5: Why Are the Migrations So Different?

How was it possible, we asked, for Rufous hummingbirds to be in Alaska when Rubythroats were still clustered in the southern United States?

New Jersey students Stephen, Shawn, Nick L, and Zooraze knew climate and habitat must be important. "The different types of hummingbirds probably have different needs and climates at different times," they suspected.

Most people are surprised when they look closely at North America's climate patterns. Some parts of Alaska are warmer than parts of the lower 48 U.S. states! In fact, tulips have already emerged in Gustavus, Alaska according to students there. Let's compare the climate where both hummingbird species are migrating right now:

Why Are the Migrations So Different? A Look at North America's Climate

Please Report Your Sightings!

We can't track migration without your help. To Report >>>.

The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 13, 2006.