Week Ending April 1, 2009
People often wonder whether hummingbirds return to the same locations year after year.
- Read these reports. Write down evidence that could lead people to think this.
- Write 2 questions you have about the idea.
- Stay tuned in weeks to come! We'll explore more.
March 29: Perry, GA
(32.44 N, -83.75W)
I saw my first male rubythroat around 5:00 this afternoon. We were sitting on our back porch when he came zooming by us and headed to the feeder. He drank plenty and has been back several times since. Then he flew to the same tree that he always sits in. He is late this year, but we are glad that "Jody" is back! >>
March 26: Keithville, LA
(32.29 N, -93.93 W)
I just saw the first male hummingbird of this year. He flew right up to the feeder like he knew exactly where to go! He took a nice long drink and then flew out to an oak tree and is perched there on a branch. >>
March 26: Hood River, OR
(45.58 N, -121.65 W)
Saw first rufous of our season at the feeder I put out two days earlier (just in case of an early arrival). I've seen the first rufous in my yard every year for about 4 years or longer on March 27. I find that amazing. >>
Extra
credit!
What does this report "tell you" about weather, geography, and
migration? What questions do you have?
March 29: Snoqualmie, WA
(47.58 N, -121.74 W)
I know from the posts that most everyone else seems to have gotten their first Rufous hummer of the season some time ago, but ours just showed up very briefly this morning. We are at 800 feet elevation and so lag the lower elevations with some of the spring arrivals. Our flowering currants are just beginning to leaf out, but have no flowers yet. When the bird showed up, the thermometer outside was reading 37 degrees and later in the day we had wet snow mixed in with the rain. It seems to be the story of this cold spring. I checked my records for last year, and today's bird actually arrived two days earlier than the first one last year. >>
- 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 a favorite hummingbird sighting and record your thoughts in your journal. >>
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Rufous Female An
observer wondered what this female rufous was up to! >> |