Migration Update: March 2, 2011 |
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Just like clockwork, last week the first migrating ruby-throated hummingbirds showed up on US soil. How can spotters distinguish a new migrant from a winter resident? How did they get here? When is the wind just right for a successful migration? Let's dig into these questions and more in this week's slideshow. Today's Report Includes:
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Image of the Week | |||
Highlights, Maps, and Questions | ||||
Highlights: First Hummers Arrive in the Gulf Coast
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Imagine this tiny bird crossing the Gulf of Mexico. Here is the wind map from the morning of February 28. We can see that the winds were favorable for helping the hummers cross the Gulf. Will more migrants be arriving? Take a minute to track the weather forecast with these wind maps. According to the maps, what day will winds shift to the south? Take a look:
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Wind map - Monday morning |
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More sighting reports tell us a lot about hummingbird behavior. Anna's hummers are winter residents in many western areas. How do they survive the winter's cold temperatures? Read what citizen scientists share: |
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As ruby-throated hummingbirds enter the United States from their wintering grounds, they usually appear first in the Gulf coast states. How do you think they get there?
For a long time, scientists wondered about the route the hummingbirds traveled. Could these tiny creatures fly the 500 miles over the Gulf
of Mexico with no food or rest? It hardly seemed possible. Find out
more!
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Journal: How Long to Cross the Gulf of Mexico? | ||||
Ruby-throated hummingbirds can fly 500 miles non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico. They typically fly about 25 miles per hour during migration. How long does the trip take? Explore how wind speed and direction can affect flight times: |
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Getting Started: This Week's Hummingbird Resources | ||||
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More
Hummingbird Lessons and
Teaching Ideas! |
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The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 9, 2011.
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