A flush of new sighting reports—32 total rufous this week— yet it seems the rufous migration is holding at the 49th latitude. Learn about one of the hummer's most amazing adaptation - how they so efficiently drink nectar. Look at the differences in our 2 species migrations so far. Learn why they are so different. And keep your eyes on the wind and weather to predict what the migrations will do by next week.

Today's Report Includes:

• Highlights, Maps, and Questions
• Journal: Why are Rufous Hummers Far Ahead?
• Explore: What's the Weather Forecast?
• Ask the Expert: Now Open for Your Questions
• Getting Started: This Week's Hummingbird Resources

Highlights: Rufous Hummers Hold at the 49th Latitude Line
A flush of new sighting reports—32 total rufous this week— yet it seems the rufous migration is holding at the 49th latitude. Look at the map and you'll see the sightings are starting to spread a little to the east of the coast now. Rain in the Pacific Northwest the past few days have caused the birds to hold steady for the time being. Keep your eye on the map for any changes as the week progresses.

If you watched the Winter Olympics you know the Pacific Northwest is having a mild winter. After seeing their first rufous of the season this week, many observers agree spring is ahead of schedule. "With a very mild winter and spring well on it's way,(flowers about 3 weeks ahead of schedule), there is plenty of food for the little guys!" reports one observer in Washington.

The leading edge of the ruby-throated hummingbird migration appears to be as far north as South Carolina. Watch closely for more sightings when the winds change later in the week. Along the Gulf Coast the ruby-throated hummingbirds are keeping company with other migrating songbirds. Birders are reporting seeing the first of the warblers coming back to their breeding grounds, too. Warblers, like hummingbirds depend on a diet of small insects and spiders to fuel their migration.

Sighting reports this week can tell us a lot about hummingbird behavior. What can you learn?

• This Week's Observations from Citizen Scientists

Journal: Why Are Rufous Hummers Far Ahead?

Look at both of this week's migration maps, above. How can rufous hummingbirds be in Canada already, when rubythroats are still gathered in the southern United States? Are the Rufous hummers faster or more eager? Is this just an unusual year? How would you explain this?

• Journal: Write your ideas on this Hummingbird Journal Page.

• Slideshow: Compare migrations—Watch this slideshow!

• Submit your questions until Friday, March 26!
• View Gallery

Ask the Expert Will be Open
March 12 - March 26, 2010.

The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 24, 2010.

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