Females Arriving
April 21, 2017 By Mary Hosier

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

female broad-tail
"This female Broad-tailed hummingbird was hanging out in the yard last year.
We're expecting them to arrive soon," wrote Christine King from Lakewood, Colorado.
Photographed by Ashli Farrar.

First the males, now the females are moving steadily north into their summer breeding grounds. Some are on time, others are early or late depending on winds and weather. If you are ready with a clean, full feeder, you will be rewarded.

"First female Ruby-throat Hummingbird at 2:15p.m. on Tuesday, April 18th. She was circling my feeders in the yard. Breezy, cloudy and 58°F outside."
Anoka, Minnesota on April 18th.

Nest Building
When female hummers arrive and mate, they know by instinct how to build a nest for their young. These little homes must be strong yet soft and stretchy enough to hold fast-growing nestlings. The nest must also protect nestlings from cold, rain, and predators. That's no easy task!

Rufous on the Move
The Rufous hummingbird migration is spreading its wings! Birds have traveled east to Whitefish, Montana, and north to Juneau, Alaska this week.

Other Western Hummers
Broad-tails reported in Colorado, deep into the mountains.

"Male Broad-tail showed up two weeks earlier then last year. With snow in the forecast I'll put feeder in protected location."
Gunnison, Colorado on April 18th.

female ruby
Female Ruby-throat


Nesting

rufous hummingbird
Rufous in Idaho

Journal: What is a Hummingbird's Nest Like?
The hummingbird nest is not much bigger than a ping-pong ball, a bottle cap, or a walnut shell. What kinds of materials does the female use to insure that her nestlings will have a suitable home to grow up in? Journal
Evaluation: Share Your Thoughts
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Report Your Sightings
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
 
Next Update April 28, 2017
 
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