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In the World of Hummers It's Males First
by Roger Taylor
hummer

In migration, if the sexes don't travel at the same time, it's males first. This is true of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The earliest sighting reported in Michigan is March 28th. The females will begin arriving ten days to two weeks following the males.

By the way, the reason males go first in some species is due to the competition to claim the best territories. Since the future of the species is in the eggs of the females, males are to some extent expendible. Some of the earliest males encounter weather extremes that occasionally impact survival.

Wedel's News

April 17, 2008

It's Time to Start Your Hummingbird Feeder

hummerThe migration map maintained at www.hummingbirds.net has multiple reports of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Michigan. The map may actually underestimate the northward progress since it takes the combination of a bird and a person that reports their first bird to the site. There is also a short delay between receiving the report and the map being updated. The bottomline is start your feeders.
 
Another web site that would appreciate your first bird report is http://www.amazilia.net/MIHummerNet/.
This is a site trying to find out:

Spring arrival dates throughout Michigan
Fall departure dates throughout Michigan
Peak dates and numbers of hummingbirds during migration
Migration routes and concentration points in Michigan
Routes and timing of migration from Michigan to their wintering grounds
Statewide population estimates and year-to-year variances in nesting success
Nesting locations, number of attempted and successful nestings, and data on "family groups"
Nesting locations
Nest site fidelity
Preferred food plants
Documentation of other rare species of hummingbird
 
Enjoy your hummingbirds and contribute to our understanding of the birds, a win/win proposition!  One last thing, there is no need for food coloring in your nectar and the better yet the hummers prefer it clear.
wkzo
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'Til next time,
Jim