Migration Update: May 26, 2010
Please Report
Your Sightings!

More and more of you are reporting your first sighting of the year (FOY). Study the progress of both our species the past 6 weeks, then describe the migration patterns. This week's slideshow gives you a look at how the hummers prepare for the long journey back to their wintering grounds. Two videos of a hen hummer feeding her chicks help us celebrate a new generation of hummingbirds.

Today's Report Includes:

Image of the Week



Why does this female rubythroat have such a big tummy?

Highlights, Maps, and Questions

Highlights:
Some of you say that you don't see hummers in the spring, or that you only see a couple buzz through as they head north. But, you say, you see more of them as they pass through in late summer on their way south. The fact is, there are more hummingbirds that make the journey south. As a class, discuss why you think that is true. (Think of what you learned this season.) Have you seen your first hummer yet this year? Here's a sampling of the newest reports:

May 17: Whitewater, Wisconsin
At last!!! Saw the first female hummingbird. This date will stand out as the latest date of first sighting in 10 years. Thinking the same hummingbird that had always come, a male, may have died.

May 23: Cedar Rapids, IA
I got out of bed earlier this morning to watch the feeder. At 7am a male hummer swooped in to take a sip. Unfortunately, despite the nectar being fresh, he only took the one sip and flew off. I have not seen him again.

May 22: Winnipeg, Manitoba
We finally saw our first hummer of the season at 1145AM. We have had five feeders up for over three weeks and were getting very worried and disappointed. Seeing the little beauty was worth the wait! This first sighting was 11 days later than last year.

May 24: Grand Rapids, Manitoba
The first of our little friends finally showed up this evening at 7:45 p.m. I'm sure the extremely heavy winds from the south helped him along the way.

May 23: Pierce, Colorado
Was setting out red geraniums and a male rufous came in to feed. First hummingbird sighting approximately 2 weeks behind last year, but the weather has been cooler/wetter this spring. Many native flowers just beginning to bloom on the prairie.

Gig Harbor, Washington, May 12
"I'm not exactly sure which breed I'm seeing at my feeders. I've included 2 pictures here so you can help me." - Michael Berry

Take a look at the photographs and help Michael identify the hummers.


Gig Harbor Hummers
Photo:Michael Berry

Distribution Map

Rufous
Hummingbird

Ruby-throated
Hummingbird

This Week's Map
Week-by-Week Animation
Sightings

Handouts: Today's Hummingbird Map Questions
Rufous Questions               Rubythroat Questions

Slideshow: Preparing for a Journey South

Shorter days in mid to late summer trigger the hummer's natural urge to head south. Did you know that the males head south first? Some leave as soon as mid-July, but most are moving by October.

What do they need to do to prepare for the long journey back to their wintering grounds? Find out in today's slideshow.


Slideshow

Journal: Nesting Behavior Videos

Many rufous and rubythroated hummingbirds have arrived at their breeding grounds now and are busy mating, constructing nests, and caring for the first batch of babies. We have watched how quickly the baby hummers grow when cared for by their mother. In just 5-6 weeks the process from egg laying to fledging is complete.

Try This!
Study these short videos of a female hummingbird fussing with her nest and feeding her babies. As you watch, use your journal to write 5 interesting behaviors you notice. Can you identify this bird's species?

Imagine the work this female does, by herself, to raise these baby birds. In the southern part of their breeding range females have plenty of time for re-nesting. If an early-nesting female is successful with her first attempt she may even have time to double-brood (a second brood) during one nesting season.

Teachers: The migration is wrapping up in the next few weeks!

What Have We Learned?
Hummingbird Migration Assessment Tools

Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts

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.

More Hummingbird Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on June 2, 2010.