topic Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map in Garden

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Susan Louise — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 00:39:57 GMT

Below is a link to save on your pute for those interested in watching the hummers move north and to help with the timing of when to put out the feeders again. Around the 22nd-25th of February, sightings will start appearing in TX, LA, AL...all along the southern coastline and southern tip of TX. For us here, they don't start arriving til about the 1st week of May. Although it's a long way off yet, it's fun to watch the progression of the migration

There are also links you can click on for other species as well...like the Rufous Hummingbird too.

LINK

Here is the Spring migration map from 2014. Use the zoom tools along the left side of the map so you can see the general times sightings were posted (for those not familiar with this map/site). Click on the (+) 1st, then click on the area of the country where you live. Then click one or two more times to zoom in more. You can then click the (i) tool on the left side of the map to then be able to click on specific dots/sighting reports and find out the date/place/town/city/etc...HTH

LINK

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Kachina624 — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 03:13:23 GMT

Sadly we don't get the Ruby Throated, although we get the Rufous in July. Most of ours are Anna's Hummers.

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Jk9 — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:06:16 GMT

Thank you Susan Louise. Watching for the hummingbirds is a big deal for us. I live in upstate SC and we put at least one feeder out in March for the migration. We get ruby throats here and really look forward to their arrival. I'll be watching the migration progress.

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Lilysmom — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:44:41 GMT

You give me hope spring is not that far away. Yes!!!

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Susan Louise — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 17:15:39 GMT

For those that want to see a cool sighting from last year, click on the 2014 map link in the OP. You will see an ivory dot/sighting in the gulf of Mexico. Click on it to read info and see pics

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

ValuSkr — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:06:53 GMT

On 1/20/2015 Susan Louise said:
For those that want to see a cool sighting from last year, click on the 2014 map link in the OP. You will see an ivory dot/sighting in the gulf of Mexico. Click on it to read info and see pics

That's very cool, thank you for pointing it out. I wish they'd said how far at sea they were. The map I've used before is at hummingbirds.net. I wonder if the two are related. Well, they don't appear here in PA until early-May so I won't have to worry about it for a while.

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

tototwo — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:37:51 GMT

Thanks! this is extremely helpful.

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

wagirl — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:50:48 GMT

I have the ruby and the annas all year round her in WA state. Must refill feeder 2x a week right now.

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

ValuSkr — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 00:46:04 GMT

On 1/20/2015 wagirl said:
I have the ruby and the annas all year round her in WA state. Must refill feeder 2x a week right now.

Lucky you! Although I have to admit I'm happy having to deal with the feeder - making nectar, filling it and cleaning it - only four to five months a year (May - September).

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Susan Louise — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 03:22:42 GMT

On 1/20/2015 wagirl said:
I have the ruby and the annas all year round her in WA state. Must refill feeder 2x a week right now.

There are several species of Hummingbirds in your state of Washington, but they are not Ruby-throated. You may want to do some homework/read books or google sites online for info. If you also go back to my initial post in this thread and click on the 2nd link, you will see the migration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in 2014...they don't even come close to WA

I have spent several hundred hours doing so myself over the years and know the species that frequent the western US/coastline and those in the south, and the Ruby-throated from the midwest-east and up into Canada

For anyone interested, below is a couple of links by state of Hummingbird species for those who are newbies:

*SIDE NOTE* - The listing of Ruby-throated in Alaska in the 1st link below is based upon a very RARE sighting report, not of the usual/regular species of the area. Although I am NOT an expert, I have done LOTS of reading about Hummingbirds. We have an entire shelf about birding/guide books like Sibley's and DH and I do document our visitors during the Spring/Fall migrations too.

INFO

OPERATION RUBY THROAT (Scroll down to see lots of maps)

There is also a Hummingbird Forum I recommend as well...link below:

FORUM

HTH

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

wagirl — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:19:07 GMT

Ok Susan--I meant rufus not rubys---a little harsh about the homework comment !

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Susan Louise — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:28:32 GMT

On 1/22/2015 wagirl said:
Ok Susan--I meant rufus not rubys---a little harsh about the homework comment !

wagirl, And it a shame you are taking it too seriously. As far as I am concerned, that is what I did myself. I stated in the same post of all the hours I spent researching and doing 'my homework'...

I call it 'homework' when I'm learning things through reading or otherwise, no matter what it is. I consider it a joy to do homework/learn. I was still going to college taking classes til a few years ago and I'm 55!

What is harsh about homework?

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Still Raining — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:06:31 GMT

Not going to commit to exactly what we have here in Oregon but for the last few weeks I am not getting many takers. We had two very cold snaps (for us) within the last two months and I wonder if hummers can do a little mid winter mini migration? Anyone know?

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Susan Louise — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:48:15 GMT

On 1/22/2015 Still Raining said:
Not going to commit to exactly what we have here in Oregon but for the last few weeks I am not getting many takers. We had two very cold snaps (for us) within the last two months and I wonder if hummers can do a little mid winter mini migration? Anyone know?

Hi Still Raining,

I guess I am confused by your inquiry. You don't want to commit to what you have at your place, and yet you want to know if any do a mini migration...

I added very helpful links to my post (#9) in this thread...2 of which if you scroll through the initial page will have what species of hummers are in your state. Additionally, some areas in your state may have certain species more than other locations.

I don't know where in Oregon you are. Maybe there is someone here who also lives in Oregon who can help you more...or click on the forum link in my post above (#9). There are folks from all over the country there too.

Some species migrate, others don't. There are other factors too...like what time of the year it is to determine/narrow down the species you are seeing at any given time.

I could type for hours on the various species in your area, but to me it makes most sense for you to look closely at your hummers to determine the species...which means, unfortunately doing a little homework/work. If you don't own binoculars, it would be a wonderful investment. There are many that are inexpensive. Males and females look different in all the various species...AND others look very similar. For example, juvie Ruby-throated hummingbird males look ALMOST identical to a female Ruby-throated hummingbird. Juvie males have varying numbers of their tiny red feathers coming out...which makes them easily to distinguish them from each other here when DH and I document them. Some will have a full 5 O'Clock shadow, and others may only have one or two feathers showing.

Unless one has perfect eyesight and can see them upclose...REALLY up close, one cannot tell the difference.

The same goes for determining species. A mature male Rufus is very easy to recognize...but not so if it's just a female or juvie male. They look like a lot of other hummingbird species unless seen up close.

If you can, take pics and determine which species you have...then read about the species online if you don't want to buy books. The more you know...as the saying goes...it's a good thing

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Still Raining — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 21:41:28 GMT

Yikes, ouch. Just trying to stay out of the ruby/rufus issue. I do indeed know which ones I have coming to the porch.

My question was about bad weather causing a secondary migration long after the primary one. As opposed to a die-off.

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Susan Louise — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 22:00:02 GMT

Still Raining, Really?...Yikes, Ouch? Funny how when one spends time to help others that they become offended in the process. Most folks I know like to feel empowered by finding things out on their own giving them just some guidance/direction (links/info). I have given many helpful links and I am glad there are some folks that do appreciate it.

Additionally, I guess I could be as easily offended by you since I didn't even get a 'thank you' for trying to help you.

As I mentioned previously, without knowing the general whereabouts you're located it is difficult to say one way or the other if any type of weather related migrations might be going on with the species you have in your area.

I can only suggest trying a region specific forum or do some searching on the internet for your general area and transitory wintering habits of the species you have. There is also the possibility of someone posting in this thread that lives in your area giving you some additional info. I also posted a link in my post #9 to a hummingbird forum with very knowledgeable people. Either you can empower yourself by using any of the links/info I offered in all my posts or not, that is up to you.

You asked: "We had two very cold snaps (for us) within the last two months and I wonder if hummers can do a little mid winter mini migration? Anyone know?"

Below are a couple of links I found that might give you some 'general' insight...both were VERY easily googled by entering into the search weather and migrating birds/hummingbirds. However, they are not specifically of your Hummingbird species...whatever they are.

CLIMATE CHANGE

EARLY SPRING MIGRATION RUBY-THROATED (2013)

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

wagirl — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 18:38:43 GMT

Oh, good lord---I didn't mean to start up such a ruckus ---I appreciate the wealth of your knowledge of our little hummers, Susan, and really I do know what types I have in my back yard---just said the wrong r bird. Anyway---those little guys are chasing and displaying as we speak. Both are males as they are so pretty. Usually have 3 females buzzing around too. Once there were 4 feeding at my feeder at the same time!!

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

ValuSkr — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 19:08:34 GMT

On 1/23/2015 wagirl said:
Oh, good lord---I didn't mean to start up such a ruckus ---I appreciate the wealth of your knowledge of our little hummers, Susan, and really I do know what types I have in my back yard---just said the wrong r bird. Anyway---those little guys are chasing and displaying as we speak. Both are males as they are so pretty. Usually have 3 females buzzing around too. Once there were 4 feeding at my feeder at the same time!!

I understand you just mis-spoke / -typed. And then all this.

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

Susan Louise — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 02:18:49 GMT

The migration has begun...somewhat early...1st migration sighting reported from Spring, TX

LINK

Re: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Spring 2015 migration map

chessylady — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 02:32:09 GMT

Here in California, I feed hummers year round. Saw one today at each of my feeders. Mostly We get Annas but I have seen Rufous at times. They will come up to your face and scold you if the feeder needs refilling.