Ruby-throats Progressing North

After a slow start, Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration is picking up in the Southeastern U.S. In spring, most first observations of hummingbirds are males, although a few females are being spotted. Male hummingbirds arrive first so they can find and defend a territory. 

Seth in New Orleans, LA: "We first spotted a hummingbird in our yard this spring on 16 March 2022. It was an adult male ruby-throated hummingbird. It was our first hummingbird of any species in our yard since 4 November 2021." (03/16/2022)

Carl in Grovetown, GA: "They're back! Sighted my first of the 2022 season...a male visiting one of my feeders, at 1853, this afternoon!" (03/19/2022)

Fala in Ashland, AL: "I am excited to announce our very first Ruby-throated visitor! We have had a feeder with small amounts of nectar, kept clean and changed out, with a game camera on it since March 1st. Upon checking the game camera card, we had our first visitor arrive around 4 this afternoon, an adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird - our first arrival is here as of 03/19/2022."

Where is the leading edge of migration? Journey North volunteers in the Carolinas are already reporting Ruby-throats. The Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History uses St. Patrick's Day as a reminder to put out feeders since hummingbirds usually arrive by late March.

Stephanie in Bluffton, SC: "First male spotted in the trees by my window feeder." (03/16/2022)

Wide-ranging Rufous

British Columbia is a becoming a hotspot for Rufous Hummingbird migration. And reports are still coming in as far south as Texas.

Clara in Angleton, TX: "Better photo of the male rufous at my feeder this morning. He came frequently this morning, but I haven’t seen him this afternoon." (03/18/2022)

Tim in Nanoose Bay, BC: "Beautiful male arrived this afternoon and has a good drink at our feeder!" (03/19/2022)

Dana in North Saanich, BC: "The first of many to arrive this morning. Usually four pairs stay and nest. Always a welcome spring sight." (03/20/2022)

Other Species and Observations

Texas remains a hub of Black-chinned Hummingbird activity. And in Nevada, one lucky Journey North volunteer spotted a male Costa's Hummingbird.

K in Tomball, TX: "Black-chinned Hummingbird sat on my feeder for 30 minutes! Hasn’t been back since, so probably continuing north. Looked exhausted from traveling." (03/15/2022)

And in Nevada, one lucky Journey North volunteer spotted a male Costa's Hummingbird. 

Lesley in Boulder City, NV: "Saw this while we are vacationing in Nevada! I believe it's a Costa's Hummingbird!" (03/14/2022)

Put Feeders Out 

As migration picks up, make sure hummingbird feeders and potted nectar plants are out. These nectar sources provide crucial energy for migrating hummingbirds.

James in Lago Vista, TX: "Sighted 2 Black Chinned Hummingbirds for first time in 2022 in Lago Vista Texas. Saw one bird in the morning searching for feeders. As soon as this bird was spotted we made sugar water nectar to hang two feeders in the same spot as always. After 2 hours 2 hummingbirds were spotted feeding.." (03/20/2022)

And depending on your location, start planting brightly-colored native flowers to provide pollinator habitat for hummingbirds and other species such as monarch butterflies.

Keep reporting your hummingbird observations to Journey North!