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Asking questions: Read these descriptions from observers. What 3 questions would you ask these observers so you could better understand how hummingbirds survive the winter in the United States?

February 26: Bellingham, Washington
(48.73 N, -122.50 W)
Our severe cold spell broke this morning and our Anna's hummingbirds are still alive. Yesterday the temperature dropped to seventeen and stayed in the low twenties all morning. The hummers mobbed me when I brought out the first feeders at the break of dawn when the temperature was 18 degrees F. The nectar froze up almost immediately. By afternoon, the air warmed up enough (with help from the sun) to keep the nectar liquid. The hummers started chasing each other. The cold did not appear to impact their level of energy.

February 22: Hillsboro, Oregon
(45.63 N, -122.95 W)
We have had Anna's Hummingbirds at our feeder all winter. Yesterday we saw both of the pair. We have rarely seen them together.

February 22: Bellingham, Washington
(48.73 N, -122.50 W)
The resident Anna's have been very active from dawn to dusk. But the next several days will be rough, because we just got a major winter storm warning, with temperatures forecast to drop into the teens at night and not rise above freezing during the days. I'll be watching to make sure the nectar stays liquid. -- I suspect the birds know that something's up. They had a feeding frenzy today.

February 19: Tucson, Arizona
(32.22 N, -110.97 W)
One adult male rufous first appeared at our feeders in the early evening, Feb.19. Presumably he's migrating, but it's possible that he wintered nearby and just now found our feeders. It's hard to tell which rufouses are winter sightings and which are early migrants here.

• Reports from Other Observers: You can find all observations reported this week in the sightings database and on the on the rufous,rubythroat, and other hummingbird migration maps.

For Your Journal: Each week, choose your favorite hummingbird sighting and record your thoughts in your journal.

Rufous hummingbirds travel at least 2,700 miles on their annual journey north! Where could you go if you traveled that distance from your house? Photo: Martin Dollenkamp