Migration Update: March 16, 2011
Please Report
Your Sightings!

Ruby-throated hummingbirds have already been sighted in 6 states. When and where will they move next? Keep predictions and records this spring. Explore how hummers keep their engines running. Use activities and resources to explore how these tiny birds find the food they need. Gather your questions and submit them to our Expert by March 25.

Today's Report Includes:

Image of the Week
ruby female nectaring on flowers
Photo: Joan Garvey

Fueling Up!

Highlights, Maps, and Questions

Highlights:
"
We put out our feeders two weeks ago and saw our first hummingbird yesterday morning (3/13). He or she only briefly visited and left. We watched all day for it to return--we are still watching. We have called this one 'Scout,'" writes a hummer spotter in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

There is news from the wintering grounds. "Our Ruby throats have departed this week," reports Patricia Nethercote from Guanacaste, Costa Rica. "We think they left on March 7th; earlier than usual."

The weather forecast looks great for rubythroat migration this week. Southern winds and mild weather along the Gulf coast are ideal for crossing. Keep your eyes on the map and your feeders filled for the hungry new arrivals.

Read about the migration from other Journey North observers.

'First sightings' of hummingbirds have been reported in 6 states already this season. Can you name them? We've started the list, but you need to record the arrival dates.

Rufous hummingbird migration map
Rufous
Hummingbirds

map
/animation/sightings

Ruby-throated hummingbird migration map
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
map
/animation/sightings

Ruby-throated hummingbird migration map
All Other Hummingbird Species
map/animation/sightings

Explore: How Hummers Keep Their Engines Running!

Darting from flower to flower, hovering near feeders, and migrating long distances, hummingbirds use a lot of energy. They burn energy so fast that they need to eat 1.5 to 3 times their weight in food each day. Use the activities and resources in this guide to explore how hummingbirds find the food they need.
  • Slideshow: Fueling Migration
    Includes photo gallery, booklet, and text-only version, and teacher suggestions.
slide show
Ask the Hummingbird Expert

Ask the Expert
Special thanks to Lanny Chambers for sharing his time and expertise again this year to answer questions. You still have time to submit yours!

Ask the Expert Will be Open
March 11 - March 25, 2011.

Lanny Chambers
Meet Expert Lanny Chambers
Getting Started: This Week's Hummingbird Resources
More Hummingbird Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 23, 2011.