News Update: April 10 , 2008                   Name __________________ 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Map Questions
(Teachers: Map is hotlinked for larger projection on smartboard or screen.)
Let's compare spring migrations and March temperatures for the past three years. (Click each map to see a larger one.)

Look at the region where the rubythroats are now traveling:

  • In which year were average March temperatures there the warmest?

  • The coldest?

Think about the pace and the direction of the migration:

  • In which year was the migration the farthest ahead?

  • The farthest behind?

How much do you think average monthly temperatures relate to the overall progress of the migration?

 

What other variables (winds, for example) could affect the timing of the migration? List as many as you can.