Researchers used to think that all rubythroats gathered in Florida and flew across the Gulf to Mexico to their wintering grounds. But over time, lots of observers reported seeing masses on the Texas and Louisiana coasts starting in mid-September. Other people saw rubythroats in October far south of the U.S. border. Bird banders and others now assume our feathered friends follow several routes.

Look at this map. Can you describe three ways that rubythroats might get from the United States to their wintering grounds (shown in green on the map)? Which path do you think is most risky, and why? Read on . . .