Week Ending April 15, 2009
Read these observations from Journey North observers.
- List 1 thing you think a citizen scientist knows based on his or her careful observations.
- List 1 thing you think a citizen scientist assumes (thinks is true).
- Write 1 question you would ask each observer.
April 12: Marion, NC
(35.72 N, -82.03 W)
The little guy was 8 days later than last year, so it was a precious sight to see him drinking at my feeder! I have missed my hummers! >>
April 11: Franklin, NC
(35.17 N, -83.43 W)
First sighting was about 12:30 pm on Saturday, April 11. The previous day had heavy thunderstorms with high winds. A couple days before that had snow all day. This may have made the hummingbirds later than usual by a few days. They take a while to get to this elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They make it to states way north of here before we finally see them at our 2,000-plus-foot elevations.
Here are my sightings for the past few years: 2009 - Apr 11; 2008 - Apr 15; 2007 - Apr 07; 2006 - Apr 10. >>
April 12: Dahlonega, GA
(34.56 N, -84.01 W)
I was very excited to see the first hummingbirds coming back for the season. This is my favorite time of the year and it lets me know that everything is coming to life once again. This hummingbird was on the large size. It looked to be eating well over the winter. I enjoy watching the dozen or so hummingbirds that I have every year. So the first one is the start to the best flight show I have ever seen! >>
April 10: Mebane, NC
(36.11 N, -79.27 W)
I normally see one around the 6th, so I set out a feeder at the date of my earliest sighting. I noticed that the level started changing two days ago, but I had not seen one until today. It was a cute little girl. >>
April 15: East Wenatchee, WA
(47.45 N, -120.25 W)
While working in the yard, I heard the zipping of a male Rufous Hummingbird. I was unable to locate the bird until he flew to the hummingbird feeder for a drink of sugar water. The setting sun high lighted his flaming gorget sending flashes of crimson and orange like SOS signals to us. He remained through the next day, but has since commenced his journey of migration. We anxiously await the next arrival. >>
- 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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Funny-faced Rufous! Observer
John Doerper spotted this male rufous in the rain. Why the strange
look? It was preening! |
