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The first ruby-throated hummingbirds could appear during the next week! They are known to begin their northward movements from the wintering grounds as early as January. By the end of February they can be at the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, getting ready to make the journey across the Gulf of Mexico. Explore some essential migration questions while you wait. Find out about the Earth’s landmasses while you play the Globe-toss game.
Today's Report Includes:
- Explore: Why Come Back North in the Spring?
- Try This! A Globe-toss Game
- Maps: Report Your Sightings
- Getting Started: This Week's Hummingbird Resources
Image of the Week
We're lucky that hummingbirds fly north each spring, but what drives them to do it? Begin exploring this question by writing what you think makes them come back north.
Then view today's slideshow to explore what makes their remarkable and tricky trip worth doing.
- Slideshow: Why Come Back North?
- Teaching Suggestions
After the slideshow use your Journal to reflect:
Which hemisphere has more land? Have you ever looked? Here's a game to get you moving and thinking why it might matter. View today's slideshow, then give this game a try.
Land or Water? As you toss the ball notice where your index finger lands; is it on land or water? Record each toss, then explore what this might mean.
Students playing the globe-toss game in Mexico.
The rubythroats could arrive as early as next week. Be ready and report when you see your first hummingbird this year. Meanwhile, please help us document where hummingbirds are located this winter!
Get to know hummingbirds by exploring these lessons and resources:
- Explore: Meet Two Hummingbird Species: Which is Which? (slideshow)
- Explore: Why Come Back North in the Spring
- Teacher Guide: Why Come Back North in the Spring?
- Hummingbird Migration Journals (click-and-print)
- Hummingbirds for Kids (booklets, photos, videos)
- Cool Hummingbird Facts: Questions Asked by Students, Answered by Experts
- Teachers: Get Started with the Hummingbird Migration
Watch for
and report any winter hummingbird
sightings!
Photo Credit: John Doerper
The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 2, 2011.
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