Hummingbird Migration Update: April 24, 2008

Today's Report Includes:

Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Where has this hummer been? What clues do you see? >>

Photo: Richard Mittleman
The Migration: Highlights, Maps, and Questions

Distribution Map

Rufous
Hummingbird

This Week's Map >>
Sightings >>

Ruby-throated
Hummingbird

This Week's Map >>
Sightings >>


Handouts: Today's Hummingbird Map Questions
Rufous Questions >                Rubythroat Questions >

Highlights: Rubythroats Reach Canada! Rufies Taking a Turn?
"He was so loud as he buzzed by us that at first we ducked thinking it was a large bee," reports an observer in Oklahoma. "Then he flew right to a feeder and we were thrilled."

The Northeast felt like mid-summer last week. Flowers bloomed and insects hatched. Skies were clear, winds favored flying, and hummers made a great leap forward! (See which new states and provinces can celebrate their return this week. >>) What's more, the first batch landed in Canada. Can you find the latitude of the most northern sighting? The migration is at its peak! Females that have already arrived and mated are on to the next stage. Watch this week's slideshow to find out how they gear up for baby hummers.

Out West, rufous hummingbirds continued their journey north to Alaska, despite arctic cold along the way. But others are shifting their route. What's up? Check out this week's Map Puzzle.

  • Breaking News: One very special hummer arrived this week. Was he on time? You decide! >>
  • Highlights: See what observers along Migration Trail are saying. >>
Map Puzzle: Where are These Birds Headed?

What should we make of these wandering hummers?

This month, some Rufous hummingbirds seem to be changing their migration route. Were they blown off course, or is something else at work? Look more closely at this map, then try to figure out what's happening!

  • Rufous Hummingbirds Heading Inland? >>
Slideshow: Mama Hummers' Nest-building Secrets

Slideshow / PDF Booklet

Many hummers are still making the long Journey North. But the females that already arrived and mated have big plans. Their instinct tells them to build nests that are cushy, waterproof, and stronger than steel! What are their secrets? Read on . . .

  • Slideshow: Building a Hummingbird Nest: Strong, Soft, and Stretchy >>
  • Handout >>
Journal: How Can You Help Hummingbirds?
Explore >>

Tuesday, April 22, was Earth Day: A time to think about how to best care for the earth and its creatures. Think about what you know about hummingbirds. Then use your Hummingbird Journal to do this:

  • List some ways that human activities might put hummingbirds at risk.
  • List 3 ways you might be able to help hummingbirds and their habitat.

When you're done, learn more!
How to Help Hummingbirds and Their Habitats
>>


What does he have to do with hummers?
This Week's Hummingbird Resources

The Far-Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer >> Beautiful illustrations and a delightful — and factual — tale of a rubythroat's Journey North.
  • JN for Kids Photo Studies: Stunning hummingbird photos and video clips along with observation questions >>
  • Slideshow: Building a Hummingbird Nest — Soft, Strong, and Stretchy >>
  • Slideshow: Make Way for Nesting: A Tale of Territories, Thieves, and Courtship >>
  • Tips: How to Help Hummingbirds and Their Habitat >>
  • Link: Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center >>
  • Math and More: Lanny Chambers' First Hummingbird is Here! >>
  • Hummingbird Migration Journals (click-and-print) >>
  • Children's Books We Like: The Far-Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer (See box, right.)
More Hummingbird Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on May 1, 2008.