Journey North Hummingbird Migration Spring 2009

Migration News Update: February 5, 2009

Today's Report Includes:

The Migration: Highlights, Maps, and Questions
Journal: Why Do Hummingbirds Return?
Explore: Why Come Back North?
Predict: Where Will They Arrive First?
Links: Getting Started: This Week's Hummingbird Resources

Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Roll your mouse to see another hummingbird. Which species is which? Explore! >>
Photos: Ed Robertson, Dean Briggins

The Migration: Highlights, Maps, and Questions

Highlights: Amazing Hummers!
Hummingbirds fly backward and forward and eat half their weight in food every day! Most of these tiny wonders are still on their winter grounds south of the U.S. border. Soon they will head north to raise young. Many will arrive at the same location as they did last spring — after flying hundreds, or thousands, of miles alone! When will they get to your schoolyard? How can you help them survive? We're glad you will help track their incredible journey!

Did you notice a few dots (reports) on this week's maps? Most observers say these birds have been hanging around during the winter.

See what some of these citizen scientists had to say. >>

We don't think we're seeing the start of the migrations. Not yet! But while we're waiting for the first big wave to appear, let's discover some secrets of hummingbird migration.

Distribution Map

Rufous
Hummingbird

This Week's Map >>
Sightings >>

Ruby-throated
Hummingbird

This Week's Map >>
Sightings >>

Today's Hummingbird Map Questions (click-and-print handout) >>

Journal: Why Do Hummingbirds Return?

When it's winter in the north, most ruby-throated hummingbirds are down in Central America on their wintering grounds. Toasty temperatures, lots of insects, and other parts of the habitat make it a great winter home. But every year in late-winter and spring, they take to the skies and head north.

Question: Why do you think hummingbirds leave their winter grounds to make the long hard journey north each spring?

Write your ideas in your Hummingbird Journal >>

Journal cover & pages >>

Explore: Why Come Back North?

Slideshow >>

We're lucky that hummingbirds fly north each spring, but what's in it for them? Let's explore what makes the remarkable and tricky trip worth doing:

Slideshow/Reading: Why Come Back North? (Migration, Geography, and the Seasons) >>

Predict: Where Will They Arrive First?

Where in the United States will hummingbirds arrive first? Next? When will they reach you? Here are two ways you can record your predictions this spring:

Option 1: a) Each week, print a blank map and date it. b) Draw a line to show how far the migration has moved. c) On the back, use words to explain what you see. d) Predict and draw a new line to show where you think the hummingbirds will be next week. e) Save your map. Compare your predictions with next week's Journey North map.

Option 2: Use the Spring Migration Route Prediction Chart to record when and where you think the first hummingbirds will arrive. >>

Spring Migration Route Prediction Chart >>

Getting Started: This Week's Hummingbird Resources

Get ready to track migrating hummingbirds by exploring these lessons and resources:

Teachers: Get Started with the Hummingbird Migration >>
Explore: Meet Two Hummingbird Species: Which is Which? >>
Lesson: Getting Ready for Hummingbird Migration (map activity) >>
Lesson: Predicting the Route of the Hummingbird Spring Migration >>
Tips: How to Use Journey North's Live Maps >>
Cool Hummingbird Facts: Questions Asked by Students, Answered by Experts >>
Hummingbird Migration Journals (click-and-print) >>
Hummingbirds for Kids (booklets, photos, videos) >>

Getting Started: Build a Travel Journal!
As you begin your journey with hummingbirds, start travel journals. There, students can document discoveries, record questions, and dig into changing events. Click here for journal pages to use week after week >>

More Hummingbird Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on February 19, 2009.