Migration Update: February 3, 2010
Please Report
Your Sightings!

Welcome to Journey North's 17th season! Meet and get to know our hummingbirds. We will be tracking the spring migration of the ruby-throated and rufous hummingbirds on their journey north this spring. Why do they come back north? That's the question we'll explore this week. Read on...

Today's Report Includes:

Image of the Week
Photos: Ed Robertson, Russ Thompson
Meet our hummingbird species! Do you know which is which?
Explore!
Meet Our Hummingbirds: Which Species is Which?

Journey North students look for two kinds of hummingbirds. If you live in the eastern part of the continent we hope you see the ruby-throated hummingbird. In the western half of the continent you are more likely to see the rufous hummingbird. Grab your Hummingbird Journal and follow along with this slideshow to learn how these two hummingbird species are different.

Ruby-throated or Rufous Hummer?
Which is Which?
(Roll your mouse over.)

Now can you tell?

Find out more in this week's Slideshow

Explore: Why Come Back North?

We're lucky that hummingbirds fly north each spring, but what drives them to do it? Let's explore what makes their remarkable and tricky trip worth doing:

After reading the slideshow use your Journal to reflect on these questions:

  • Why do they leave and come back north each spring? How would you revise your answer now that you have discovered new information?
  • What new questions do you have?
slideshow
Why Come Back North in the Spring?
Explore and Learn:

Slideshow
Report Your Sightings: Seeing Winter Hummingbirds?

All hummingbirds do not go to Central America in the winter. Please help us document where hummingbirds are located this winter!


Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
(map/sightings)

Rufous
Hummingbirds

(map/sightings)
Getting Started: This Week's Hummingbird Resources

Get to know hummingbirds by exploring these lessons and resources:


Watch for and report any winter hummingbird sightings!

More Hummingbird Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on February 17, 2010.