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Hummingbird News: February 26, 2014
By Mary Hosier |
Please Report
Your Sightings! |
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| The first migrating ruby-throated hummingbirds have arrived in Gulf Coast states. This week, explore the migration route and think about how prevailing winds affect migration.
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Image of the Week |
By Land or By Sea
Photo: Russ Thompson |
| News: Migration Begins! |
| Just like clockwork, the first migrating ruby-throated
hummingbirds showed up in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida last week. Stay warm little migrants, polar vortex conditions will bring temperatures down to the 30's along the Gulf Coast mid-week.
First Arrivals?
Florida: "Adult male rubythroat visiting feeder. Observed with binoculars and spotting scope."
Gulf Breeze, Florida 02/21/14
Texas: "This afternoon my son Matt saw a hummingbird flying around our neighbors back yard. I've got my sugar water made and the feeder will be out in the morning before they get up!"
Irving, Texas 02/22/14
Washington: "First rufous sighting for 2014. Male at my feeder." Blane, Washington 02/17/14
Winter Sightings
Texas: "For the first time my hummers have stayed for the winter. They've been here every day since December. I guess they missed their flight!"
Sante Fe, Texas 02/22/14
California: "All of a sudden instead of 2 or 3 hummers, I now have about 20 a day. They finished off 2 full feeders yesterday, so I put up 5 today. They are fighting each other off even though there is plenty for all." Rough and Ready, CA 02/22/14
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| Slideshow: An Amazing Rubythroat Journey |
| As ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive on U.S. shores from their wintering grounds, they usually appear first in the Gulf coast states. Explore the amazing journey. |
Slideshow |
Questions
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Journal
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| Explore: Real-Time Wind |
Wind is a critical factor during hummingbird migration. A rubythroat's 500-mile journey across the Gulf of Mexico would be nearly impossible without a tailwind, and dangerous with a headwind. Throughout the spring season, wind speed and direction will affect migrating hummingbirds, so keep an eye on the map.
Imagine you are a hummingbird migrating to your breeding grounds as you explore this real-time global wind animation:
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Global Winds
earth.nullschool.net |
| Maps: Tracking Migration |
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| Next Update March 5, 2014 |
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