Hummingbirds
FINAL Hummingbird Migration Update: June 6, 2008

Today's Report Includes:

Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Who else is searching for food on these blooms? Look closely!  Photo: Bud Hensley
The Migration: Highlights, Maps, and Questions

Distribution Map

Rufous
Hummingbird

This Week's Animation >>
Sightings >>

Ruby-throated
Hummingbird

This Week's Animation >>
Sightings >>

Highlights: Keep Watching and Wondering
"We were up in our first hot-air balloon ride," reports Maddy in Fairlee, Vermont. "About 500 feet up in the air, two hummingbirds were flying right next to the balloon! It was an awesome experience!" Wow. Researchers say that rubythroats usually fly just above the treetops. After all, that's a great way to keep an eye out for darting insects and waiting nectar! Observers continue to be thrilled and amazed when they come across these remarkable migrants. Fifth grader Keith Hawley from West Sacramento, California says, "The (rufous hummingbird) is so beautiful that it is now my favorite bird."
Fewer Rubythroats? What Two Researchers Say >>
It's no surprise that we're seeing fewer reports of "first sightings" these days. But in the past week or two, several concerned observers wrote things like this: "We had visits by the Rubies a few weeks ago, but since then they have seemed to disappear." What's happening to these hummers? Are they really gone, or is something else at work? Read what two hummingbird researchers, Lanny Chambers and Bill Hilton Jr., have to say! >>

Then for the next four or five months, look for signs that the hummingbirds now among us are preparing for another incredible journey. This slideshow will remind you what to watch for >>.
 Animations: Snapshots of the 2008 Season
Look at this season's hummingbird migrations in action! Then think about the questions below.
Rufous Hummingbird Migration: 2008
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Migration: 2008
  • In which week were the greatest numbers of hummers reported? In which week did the leading edge seem to make the biggest leap northward?

  • Choose one species. Describe how the migration moved forward week-by-week after the hummingbirds entered the United States. (You can draw arrows on a blank map to show this.)
A Special Thanks! To Our Hummer Helpers
We'd like to say a special thanks to Lanny Chambers for contributing loads of data on rubythroat sightings and for answering your hummingbird questions.

We are also grateful to all the photographers who generously allowed Journey North to post images of hummingbirds and their amazing antics!

And finally, thanks to all of YOU for keeping your eyes open, feeders full, and reports prompt. We couldn't track these species without your help! We look forward to seeing you again in February, 2009.
Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts! >>
Will you take a few minutes to complete our Year-end Evaluation?

Only with your help can we document Journey North's reach, impact, and value. The information you provide is critical for planning new initiatives and for improving Journey North. Thank you!

Year-end Evaluation >>
This Week's Hummingbird Resources
  • JN for Kids Photo Studies: Stunning hummingbird photos and video clips along with observation questions >>
  • Reading: Hummingbird Booklets and Slideshows >>
  • Reading: Researching Hummers — One at a Time >>
  • Map Reading: Making Sense of Journey North Maps (Core Questions) >>
  • Photo Study: Who else is searching for food on these blooms? >>
  • Tip: Learn how to keep the best feeder food for your visiting hummingbirds! >>
  • FINAL Hummingbird Arrivals: Rubythroat Chart and Rufous Chart
  • Assessment Tools: What Have We Learned About Hummingbirds? >>
  • Slides/Tips: How to Help Hummingbirds and Their Habitats >>
More Hummingbird Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

This is the FINAL Hummingbird Migration Update. Join us again in February, 2009!

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