Today's Report Includes:
- The
Migration: Highlights,
Maps, and
Questions
- Slideshow:
Fledging,
Feeding, Fattening, Flying!
- Journal:
New Discoveries,
3-2-1
- Year-end
Evaluation: Please
Share Your Thoughts!
Your Sightings! >>
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 Distribution Map |
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| Rufous
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Ruby-throated
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| Handouts:
Today's Hummingbird Map Questions Rufous Questions > Rubythroat Questions > |
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Highlights:
Fewer "First" Sightings, Hummers Still Busy!
Action on our maps has slowed this past week. Take a look at the rubythroat animation above. Next, count how many "first" sightings were reported in the past week: May 15-21. You'll find the list here: >> Compare that to the number from the previous week. How would you explain the difference in the number of reports? List as many factors as you can. There's no one right answer, but you should be able to think like a hummer — and an observer — by now! The maps may be quiet, but the hummers are buzzing. One lucky rubythroat was spotted flitting and sipping in a flower-filled greenhouse. Another "seemed very aggressive, tiffing with 'mom robin' who is nesting in the crabapple. He took a break on the clothesline, sampled from the various blooms and buzzed away, squeaking fiercely." And we just got a late report of a rufous that made it to Anchorage, Alaska! Are any likely to go much farther? See what the maps tell you. In most of the 52 states and provinces where our species have been spotted, hummers are following their instincts: mate, nest, help fledglings get a good start, fatten up, and then prepare for another journey! We'll explore parts of this adventure, and more, in this week's slideshow. |
In many areas, hummingbirds have just barely arrived. But while you're off on summer vacation, some hot hummer happenings will take place. Nestlings will wildly vibrate their wings before their first lift-off. Then they'll feed up like mad. By the time you're back in school, most will have left on a long and risky journey south. And they'll venture forth without a map or anyone leading the way! Explore more in this week's slideshow.
- Preparing
for a Journey South: Fledging, Feeding, Fattening, Flying >>
Which is the mother and which is the nestling? What's surprising? Be sure to watch the slideshow! >>
After seeing today's slideshow, what new things did you learn about hummingbirds and their migration? Use this hummingbird journal page to write down the following:
- 3 challenges a young hummer faces between the time it's old enough to leave the nest and the time it arrives on winter grounds.
- 2 things a hummingbird knows by instinct and 1 thing it must learn.
- 1 or more questions you have about fledgings and their journey south.
| Teachers: The migration is wrapping up soon! What
Have We Learned? |
With your help, we can we document Journey North's reach, impact, and value. We need comments like yours to keep the program going and growing. Thank you! >>
Year-end Evaluation >>
- JN for Kids Photo Studies: Stunning hummingbird photos and video clips along with observation questions >>
- Reading/Slideshow: Preparing for a Journey South: Fledging, Feeding, Fattening, Flying >>
- Reading/Slideshow: 22 Days in a Hummingbird Nest >>
- Photo Study: Two Young Males Tangle >>
- Hummingbird Arrivals: Rubythroat Chart and Rufous Chart
- Assessment Tools: What Have We Learned About Hummingbirds? >>
- Tips: How to Help Hummingbirds and Their Habitat >>
The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on May 28, 2009.
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