Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Update: March 20, 2013
Please Report
Your Sightings!		 Report Your Sightings
Over 85 new sighting reports appeared on the maps this week. Which will be the first to arrive at your feeder—a male or a female? It's time to celebrate spring's arrival and welcome hummingbirds back in the north!

This Update Includes:

Image of the Week
male rubythroat
Photo: Donald Rash
Who Arrives First?
News: First Arrivals
Most of the new sightings are males on their way to claim territory. Females arrive a week or two later, when more flower nectar and insects are likely to be available. This adaptation saves her energy for nesting.

"First two female rufous hummingbirds showed up at the feeders," reports Amy from Oregon, "exactly one week later than the first male."

Rufous and Anna's Meet in Washington
"Two male Rufous at feeders this morning in Brinnon, Washington. Interesting interaction with the already mating/nesting Annas." 03/10/13

Competition at an Alabama Feeder
"First ruby-throated male showed up today. The rufous, Jagger & Jude, are still here and the ruby is really hassling them. Interesting to see the two species together for comparison." 3/10/13

First Rufous in Philomath
"I saw a beautiful red-throated rufous male at my feeders this morning. My first for 2013." This Oregon family has been collecting sightings since 1971.

Anna's hummingbird
Photo: Jack Moskovita
Wintering Anna's
 
rufous male
Photo: Donald Troha
Last Sighting
 
Anna's hummingbird
Philomath Sightings
Slideshow: Why Do Rufous Seem Far Ahead?
How can rufous hummingbirds be entering Canada when rubythroats are still gathered in the southern United States? Are the rufous hummers faster or more eager? Let's explore migration with today's slideshow and journal.

rufous migration slideshow
Slideshow
Maps: Who's Seeing Hummingbirds?
Ruby-throated hummingbird migrants have already been sighted in 11 states. Look for patterns and predict which states they'll move into this week.
ruby map ruby map ruby map
Ruby-throated
(map | animation | sightings)		 Rufous
(map | animation | sightings)		 Other
(map | animation | sightings)
Male and Female Rubythroat male and female rufous collage
Next Update March 27, 2013.

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