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Observations from Citizen Scientists:
Week Ending March 9, 2011

Asking questions: Read these descriptions from observers. What 3 questions would you ask these observers so you could better understand hummingbird behavior?

March 7: Garland, Texas
(45.88 N, -123.95 W)

First thing this morning I had a male Rufous at the feeder. About a week later than last year. I always look forward to their arrival, not so sure that my year round Annas do though! :-)

March 6: Metairie, Louisiana
(29.698 N, -90.17 W)

I saw an adult male Ruby-throated hummingbird yesterday and it was chased by a second bird that I didn't get a good look at. Today I was able to photograph a female and male Ruby-throated in my back yard.

March 5: Bay City, Texas
(28.97 N, -95.91
W)
Very late, almost 6pm, saw a male at my feeder on 3/4/11. Saw same male I believe on 3/5, also very late. On 3/6, a female started coming to another feeder, and now visits it frequently. Have not seen the male again

March 5: Gautier, Mississippi
(30.41 N, -88.63
W)
With heavy rain I saw my first male hummer of the season at the feeder this afternoon twice!!

March 2: Arcadia, California
(34.14 N, -118.03
W)
Just sighted my first mature male rufous. He's gorgeous--and a bit later than last year's first sighting but only by a week or so. I knew something was different at the feeders this morning because there seemed to be an unusual frenzied flurry of activity with one particular bird causing all the havoc. Guess who?

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

wing power

Hummingbird wings are tough enough to flap at least 4 MILLION times without a break when a migrating hummer flies over the Gulf of Mexico.

Imagine wings so small and powerful!