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As hummingbirds reach their northern limits, celebration is in the air. North America's smallest backyards birds have now arrived across Canada. This week, explore why hummingbirds stop traveling where they do. What factors limit their northward expansion? This summer, plan to plant sweet treats to feed the hummingbird family that calls your backyard home.
Today's Report Includes:
- The Migration: Highlights, Maps and Journal
- Explore: Nectaring on Nature
- Annual Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts
Image courtesy of Jack Moskovita
So Glad They're Back!
"So nice to have them back after our hard winter," said a man in Manitoba.
"What a joy to have them back and be entertained by them," said a woman in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania.
An enthusiastic Ontario observer reported his first hummingbird two minutes after it arrived, he was so eager to share the news.
An appreciative Alberta observer says, "Thanks to the person who recommended the red silk flowers!" (She credits the fake flowers for attracting her first-ever hummers to her backyard.)
Still wondering in Wyoming what species they saw, the Hosier family was certainly in awe: "We couldn't get a positive ID, but it must have been some hardy mountain species! Temperature was about 42 degrees F."
Rufous Caught Passing Through
In Washington, Jack Moskovita waited for two days with his camera, hoping for a photo of a rufous. He writes,"I only see the rufous 1-2 weeks in the spring when they are making their way to Alaska and Canada. It took me 2 days and many hours to get this shot...I didn't want a feeder shot." Nice job!
Migration Almost Complete!
As spring draws to a close, hummingbirds are approaching the end of the migration trail. This week, take a look at a range map. How far have ruby-throated hummingbirds traveled--and what factors keep them from going further?
Rufous Caught Passing ThroughImage courtesy of Jack Moskovita
| This Week's Maps Get out your Hummingbird Journals and explore the maps each week. Click below each map to see the migrations from a different perspective. After studying the animated maps write 3 things you notice, and 3 questions. |
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Today's Hummingbird Map Questions Handout |
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Create a nectar-filled landscape for your hummers! You can make a hummingbird way-station where hummers can find nectar without searching for a fresh sugar-water feeder. Look around your school yard and your landscapes at home to locate areas where you can build a garden for the birds. Find out what you can plant:
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Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts
The FINAL Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on June 10, 2011.
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