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Report Your Sightings! |
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Why are my hummingbirds late? That was the question people asked as cold temperatures swept across the north this week. Take a look into a hummingbird nest this week. A photographer shares the day-to-day images of tiny eggs and miniature babies.
Today's Report Includes:
- Highlights, Maps, and Questions
- Journal: Peek into a Hummer's Nest
- Journal: Three Weeks in a Hummer Nest
- News: True Story
- Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts
Photo:
Dorothy Edgington
Peek
into a Nest
Find out what you already know!
Highlights:
More Hummers Come Home!
During the past week, 207 ruby-throated hummingbirds were reported and 10 tiny rufous hummers, too. Many people told us exactly how late their hummingbirds were. Others were certain their own hummingbirds had returned. How do they say they know?
Here are some of this week’s comments:
May 10: Bangor, Michigan
The hummingbirds come to my husband’s window, by his desk, when they get here. He's the one who fills and hangs the feeder. When the feeder gets low, they all but sit on his shoulder to get his attention. How do they know him? They have to be the same hummingbirds from last year!May 7: Canfield, Ohio
While we were sitting at the table, a Ruby-throated hummingbird flew in and started searching under the eaves above the picture window. This is the spot where our feeders hang each year. Since there is no vegetation near the window area and no other reason for a hummer to be flying back and forth under the eaves, I have to assume that this bird is returning to where it fed last year. Simply amazing!May 10: Kalispell, Montana
We saw the first rufous hummingbird this morning. It's been cold and rainy here, and last week we had snow. But today the sun is out and it's warmer. Hurray, we have been anxiously awaiting their arrival, as they bring much joy.May 11: Moretown, Vermont
Male at feeder at 5:35 pm, nine days later than last year.May 11: Middletown, Rhode Island
A week later than the last 2 years, but worth it! It was an adult male all dressed up and ready to party!May 13: Canmoe, Alberta
A week later than last year. Maybe the snow last year delayed his return?
For more thoughts about this spring's migration, see:
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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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A female hummingbird is about to lay eggs the size of tic-tac candies. You're invited to peek inside, welcome the nestlings into the world, and watch them grow for 22 days!
- Slideshow:
What Happens in a Hummingbird
Nest?
- Handout: What I Think Happens in a Hummingbird Nest
Next, focus your eyes on a nesting hummingbird family. This one shows what happens day-by-day (for three weeks) in a ruby-throated hummer nest. As you read and observe, you'll discover how the nestlings survive and thrive in this well-built home!
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What would you do if you found a hummingbird lying on your feeder one morning looking like it was dead? Before you read this story, think about what you know about a hummingbird's appetite and how much nectar they need for survival.
Read the amazing story about what happened one morning at Jeannette's feeder.
Photo: Bud Hensley
| Teachers: The migration is wrapping up in the next few weeks! What
Have We Learned? |
Will you take a few minutes to complete our Year-end Evaluation? 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.
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Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts
- Assessment: What Have We Learned?
- Video: Rufous at the Feeder
- Hummingbird Migration Journals (click-and-print)
- Hummingbirds for Kids (booklets, photos, videos)
- Cool Hummingbird Facts: Questions Asked by Students, Answered by Experts
The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on May 19, 2010.
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