The Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration is approaching the northern reaches of the species' range, with reports stretching as far as Alberta in the West and Nova Scotia in the East.
Our northernmost Ruby-throated Hummingbird report, received on May 17, comes from just across the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, in LaCorey, Alberta (54.39, -110.73). That report follows a few days of reports from Saskatchewan, moving northwest across the state. While the hummingbirds' arrival may be a sure sign of spring for many of us, it’s worth noting that it’s not quite summertime in this part of the continent.
“Had some snow overnight,” a volunteer in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, wrote on May 16 alongside a report of a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird. “Feeder was covered in snow, so I changed the nectar.”
Another report, just south of LaCorey, was submitted by Rhonda in Muriel Lake, Alberta, on May 20.
Some hummingbirds have made their way into Alberta, pushing the leading edge of the migration toward the end of the Ruby-throated range. That doesn’t mean that it’s too late for you to spot them if you haven’t seen one yet further south, however. There’s still time for more movement, and plenty of time for more sightings as hummingbirds make nests and feed themselves and their young.
In eastern Canada, hummingbirds reached Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island in the first two weeks of May, with sightings beginning around the seventh and eighth of May and increasing from there.
A few sightings came in earlier, like one from Saint John, New Brunswick, on May 4, or another on the same day in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia: “Just in time,” a volunteer wrote.
“This male has been very active at the feeder this evening,” Michele in Stratford, Prince Edward Island, wrote on May 18.
The northernmost hummingbird report in eastern Canada was from Nancy in Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici, Quebec (latitude 48.53) on May 5.
Sightings further south
Not all hummingbirds make their way this far north, or even north at all. We've received reports this week from Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Ontario, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Indiana, and a few further south as well.
Mitch in New Port Richey, Florida, reported two hummingbirds on May 19, and Laurie in Canton, Georgia, reported one on May 16.
Ellen reported two hummingbirds in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 9, writing, “A female has joined our resident male. They have been flying together. She has been making discoveries, flitting between feeders in different areas of the yard, hanging purple petunia on the patio and purple salvia on the fence.”
From the northern edge of migration to sightings continuing in the South, you can report all your observations of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to Journey North.
World Migratory Bird Day
May 9 was World Migratory Bird Day. While I think about birds every day, it’s great to have two days set aside each year to honor birds and the people who help conserve them. That includes each of you, especially since this year’s theme is “Your Observations Matter,” honoring community scientists who contribute their reports to help us learn about birds and their migrations.
Click here to read more about this year’s theme, including several ambassador species like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
I'll also be part of an Environment for the Americas webinar for World Migratory Bird Day on Thursday, May 21. Click here to sign up and hear more about Journey North and beyond.
