Week Ending April 22, 2009
Read these observations from Journey North observers.
- For each one, list something you can infer (assume) from the description about hummingbirds and their migration.
April 17: Richmond, VA
(37.54 N, -77.44 W)
I started to see the dark flashes of fast flight outside my window on the 13th. This continued until today, but I never caught "Herman" at the feeder until tonight when he flew in, took 3 drops, and zoomed off. So I am putting his official arrival time today at 7:00 p.m. I will put in some Nature's First nectar tomorrow after I clean the feeder and know he has claimed the territory. What a miracle. It never ceases to amaze me how he has returned 6 years in a row. >>
April 18: Somerset, KY
(37.07 N, -84.53 W)
At 12:00 noon today we have 2 ruby-throated hummers. They drank and drank then flew up on a limb and licked their tongues. They seem to know where they are. We are so glad to see them. We know spring is finally here. >>
April 18: Cross Plains, TX
( 32.18 N, -99.27 W)
My first sighting of the spring occured as a very vocal hummingbird told me to fill my feeder! (ninth grader) >>
April 16: Sitka, AK
(56.95 N, -135.04 W)
I sighted the first Rufous (male) this morning at one of my feeders. This is one my latest sightings in the last several years. Winter with snow and unusually cold weather persisted until just 10 days ago. I did have a report that there are a few flowering plants available in protected locations. >>
April 16: Wrangell, AK
(56.31 N, -131.72 W)
The first male of the year was at the feeder. It was about 10 days later than last year but it's been cold this spring. >>
April 20: Inchelium, WA
(48.29 N, -118.52 W )
First I saw a Calliope hummingbird on our feeder, but then I noticed a brightly colored rufous male in the tree branch a few feet up. A while later I saw a rufous chasing off a Calliope. >>
- 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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Females Get Ready Once
they've arrived and mated, female hummers will set out to build
cushy, stretchy nests! |