Week Ending May 13, 2009
What
can you learn about hummingbirds and their migration based on what observers
report? Read this week's highlights, then
discuss one thing you learned or one question you'd have for each observer.
May 8: Columbia
Heights, MN
(45.04 N, -93.26 W)
The Kindergarten classes from Highland Elementary in Columbia
Heights had walked over to Kordiak Park for a picnic in the early afternoon.
As we were walking into the park from the parking lot, a hummingbird flew
over our group several times before disappearing into the trees. The sky
had just clouded up and it looked like it might rain. Temperatures were
close to 65 degrees.
May
4:
Princeton, MA
(42.50 N, -71.87 W)
Two ruby-throated male hummers showed
up to feed on, and fight over my Oriole feeder (orange slice) on Monday
5/4/09 at 9AM. We are at about a 1,100 ft. elevation, 55 miles northwest
of Boston, at the foot of Wachusett Mountain (2,000 ft. peak elevation).
For the past 14 years, hummers have shown up at our bird feeders between
May 5th and May 9th, without fail. We recently had warm weather, which
may explain the earlier sighting.
May 6: Haliburton, ON (Canada)
(45.05
N, -78.52 W)
I spotted my first male ruby-throated hummer today. It
was four days earlier than last year. I prepared my hummingbird nectar
last night, just getting ready. But I decided to wait a few days before
hanging up my feeders. Too bad, this little hummer was hovering around
the chain where the feeder usually hangs. I could just imagine what he
was thinking, "Where's the feeder?" Previous year's first sitings:
05/10/08, 05/10/07, 05/10/06, 05/13/05, 05/07/04, 05/10/03, 05/09/02.
May
8: Panama, NY
(42.06
N, -79.50 W)
Our "resident hummers" seem to be back. Those
I reported seeing earlier this week (May 4th, 5th) I believe were just
"passing through" and alone. I saw at least 3 different hummingbirds
this morning, with return trips to the feeder. They're back home!
 |
|
This
rubythroat is doing what comes naturally! Click to enlarge. |
For
Your Journal
Each week, choose a favorite hummingbird sighting and record your thoughts
in your journal. >>
Did
you know?
You can find all observations reported
this week in the sightings database
and on the rufous and
rubythroat migration
maps.