Asking
Good Questions
About the observers: When an unusual sighting
is reported, a scientist might first ask about the observers:
What was his or her experience? Did he or she know how to identify
ruby-throated hummingbirds? In this case, there were many
observers reporting rubythroat sightings. And we know that several
of them were experienced hummingbird observers.
About the weather/climate: A
scientist might also ask about the weather or climate in the
area where the hummers were spotted. The colors on this map
show how much above or below normal temperatures were in October
- December 2007 (just before the sightings). What do you notice?
October
- December 2007: How Temperatures Differed from Normal

Image: NOAA, National Climate
Data Center