Hummingbird News: June 3, 2015
By Mary Hosier
Please Report
Your Sightings!
Report Your Sightings
Our hummingbirds have come to the end of their migration trails. Whether you see your first hummingbird, or notice nectaring or other behaviors, please report. Maps will be up through the summer.
Male Ruby guarding feeder
Male Guard   Gert Thudel
Highlights: End of the Trail
This week observers in Alberta reported Rufous and Ruby-throats arriving. Each year these two species' breeding ranges intersect in western Canada.

Ruby-throat (54.14, -115.69)
"First Ruby-throat sighting is 3 to 4 weeks later than normal." 05/25/15 Whitecourt, Alberta

Rufous, (54.45, -110.20)
"Female Rufous attempted to feed on red handle in garage. Only one we've seen so far this year." 05/24/15 Cold Lake, Alberta

Where did my hummers go?
Now that it's early-June, observers are noticing that it seems their hummingbirds have virtually disappeared.

"This has been such a disappointing year in Syracuse for hummingbirds. Only twice did I see a small male at my feeder. I wonder why?"
05/27/15   Syracuse, New York

Hummingbird expert Lanny Chambers says one reason for the lull in sightings this time of year is females are tending their nests. Females are out in search of insects and spiders for their chicks. In addition, abundant natural nectar is available.

range map
Merging Ranges
 
Video of rufous birds
Rufous: Second Wave
Explore: Nectar Sources
This summer watch and report the kinds of flowers hummingbirds are nectaring on. Natural nectar in flowers provides a portion of the food many hummingbirds rely on. Nectar is composed mainly of sugars and water with a tiny amount of protein. What flowers will you see hummingbirds nectaring on in your area?
weigela flower lilac flower columbine
Weigela Lilac Columbine
hibiscus flower black and blue salvia firecracker flower
Hibiscus Black and Blue Salvia Firecracker
Tracking Migration: Maps
Hummingbird Migration: What to Report

Hummingbird Migration Map: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Hummingbird Migration Map: Rufous Hummingbird
What to Report Ruby-throated
map | animation | sightings
Rufous
map | animation | sightings
tnail of other species map Hummingbird Migration Map: Other Observations nectaring map
Other Species
map | animation | sightings
Other Observations
map | list
Nectaring
map | list
 
Evaluation: Share your thoughts!
Please take a few minutes to complete our Annual Evaluation. With your help, we can document Journey North's reach, impact and value. Thank you!

Journey North Evaluation
Thank You for Helping Track Hummingbird Migration!
Keep reporting your observations this summer.