Rufous
Hummingbird

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Sightings >>

Ruby-throated
Hummingbird

This Week's Animation >>
Sightings >>

Temperature Departure from Normal: May 18-24, 2008

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Highlights: Fueling at Feeders
If you watch our hummingbird migration animations, you'll see very little change this past week. We suspect that most of our observers have already seen their "first" hummers of the season. After looking at weather maps and comments from observers, we also think that cold weather may have kept many flower buds closed, insects un-hatched, and rubythroats relying on feeders. Read on . . .

Burlington, Ontario: "Saw my first male rubythroat at the feeder around 7:30 this morning. The weather is quite cold (about 5C) for this time of year, and windy."

Clifford, North Dakota: A very cold and windy day and I saw my first ruby-throated hummingbird of this year. He was a bright male, and was buzzing around the golden flowering currant bush. It is about the only thing blooming this cold spring. However the hummer feeder is up, so he will have plenty to eat.

Waukesha, WI: To my amazement today, a little hummingbird buzzed over my bee balm looking for a place to nectar. It's too early for bee balm. She must be the same one that has been here for a few years because she knew just where to look.

Irons Lake County, MI: Four female hummers feeding at the feeder without chasing each other away. 2 males came later and chased each other away until finally one was able to feed. The feeding continued all weekend.

Waynesboro, GA: "It was dark and a storm was approaching, but I heard that unmistakable 'whirring' noise fly by. The bird perched on the tree in front of me for a few minutes until the next clap of thunder sent it to seek shelter from the rain. I've got to get my feeder full!"