Week Ending March 11, 2009
Look for patterns: After reading these quotes from Journey North observers, do this:
- Describe 2 patterns you notice.
- Make 2 general statements about what helps hummingbird migrations move forward.
March 4: Portland, OR
(45.50 N, -122.69 W)
I saw the first rufous male at 12:15 p.m. at the feeder on the east side of my house. The red-flowering currant in front of the house is just about to open its first flowers. >>
March 6: Gautier, MS
(30.41 N, -88.63 W)
I saw a mature male ruby throat at the coral honysuckle afternoon. Then it flew to the popcorn tree to perch. I saw it again just before dark in the back yard going to the feeder. I knew this warm weather was going to bring at least one in, so I had just put fresh syrup out too. I will bring a few plants from the greenhouse out tomorrow. The cherry tree and bottlebrush have started to bloom. >>
March 8: Metairie, LA
(29.98 N, -90.17 W)
My first migrant male Ruby-throated of the season flew up to the feeder outside the office window, but he left without partaking. This is pretty much on schedule for me. He won't stay long. >>
March 9: State Line, MS
(31.40 N, -88.57 W)
I saw the 1st adult male Ruby-throated hummingbird this evening! This is the earliest ever sighting for me. Usually they show up between the 17th and the
21st ever since I've been keeping up with the dates. I thought that since we're having an early spring, the hummers may show up a few days early with all the blooming flowers, shrubs, and trees. >>
- Reports from Other Observers: You can find all observations reported this week in the sightings database and on the on the rufous and rubythroat migration maps.
For Your Journal: Each week, choose your favorite hummingbird sighting and record your thoughts on this journal page. >>
 |
|
A Rare Hybrid Hummer?! When
he spotted this hummingbird, David Bailey looked closely. Its tail
and other parts looked like those on a Rufous. But it sounded and
looked a bit like another hummer species: Anna's. Could it be a
rare hybrid, having one parent of each species? David asked other
bird experts and scientists to view his notes and photos. YES! This
is the second hybrid of this kind EVER recorded!
>>
|