Migration News Spring 2017
February - June

Weekly News
Fridays
February 24 - June 2

Watch this season's story unfold.

Get Ready

Track migration as hummingbirds travel to their breeding grounds.

Waiting and Watching
February 24, 2017

Migration is about to begin! Birds are fueling up and waiting for tailwinds to cross the Gulf of Mexico. When will the first arrive?

Here They Come!
March 3, 2017

Migrating Ruby-throats and Rufous are arriving. Watch as Gulf winds shift from north to south bringing pulses of birds across from Mexico.

Looking for Food
March 10, 2017

Hummingbird migrants continue to arrive from their wintering grounds, though March weather can make this a risky trip for early birds.

Habitat Ready?
March 17, 2017

Hungry hummingbird migrants are looking for food to fuel their journeys. Is your outdoor habitat ready for hummingbirds?

Migration continues for tiny hummingbirds. Track their progress as they search out the food they need along the way.

Arriving "Big Time"
March 31, 2017

Migration continues bringing Ruby-throats into Missouri, Virginia, and West Virginia. Hummingbird adaptations for eating nectar allow them to fuel up along the way.

A Stop-n-Go Advance
April 7, 2017

Wind-driven or hunkered-down — hummingbirds continue their journey towards their summer breeding grounds.

Early Bird Surprise
April 14, 2017

Southern winds surprised northerners with some early sightings.

Females Arriving
April 21, 2017

Females arrive after males. When they come they're ready for action.

Getting Down to Business
April 28, 2017

Many hummingbirds have arrived at their breeding grounds where the females are busy with nest-building chores.

Migrants Looking for Nectar
May 5, 2017

Hummingbirds burn a lot of fuel. When it's cold, or they're out of food, they survive by going into torpor.

Reaching Peak
May 12, 2017

In a surge of sightings the leading edge has moved to 44°N, with some birds moving up the Atlantic Coast into the Canadian Maritimes.

Reaching Northern Limits
May 19, 2017

Delighted Northerners report first sightings from Alberta to Prince Edward Island this week.

Nectar Throughout the Season
May 26, 2017

It’s the beginning of June and migration for many hummingbirds is complete. Keep sharing your observations throughout the summer.