First sighting of Ruby-throated Hummingbird in January

[TexasCobra]

I commonly see Ruby-throats in early March on their spring migration.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124304610 ... ed-public/

[Charlie Spencer]

I commonly see Ruby-throats in early March on their spring migration.

There have been some slow changes in hummie migrations in the southeast over the last 20 years. Ruby-throateds are common enough along the coast in the winter that they don't trip the eBird filter for rare sightings. Sightings of Rufous and Black-chinned, while still rare and noteworthy, are slowly becoming less uncommon. Maybe Ruby-throateds will become regulars in central TX. Kevin, Greyhawk, any input?

[Greyhawk]

There have been some slow changes in hummie migrations in the southeast over the last 20 years. Ruby-throateds are common enough along the coast in the winter that they don't trip the eBird filter for rare sightings. Sightings of Rufous and Black-chinned, while still rare and noteworthy, are slowly becoming less uncommon. Maybe Ruby-throateds will become regulars in central TX. Kevin, Greyhawk, any input?

Our hummingbirds (Black-chinned and Ruby-throated) disappear in late September and don't show up again until the next spring. Not sure about the date.

[Kevin]

I commonly see Ruby-throats in early March on their spring migration.

There have been some slow changes in hummie migrations in the southeast over the last 20 years. Ruby-throateds are common enough along the coast in the winter that they don't trip the eBird filter for rare sightings. Sightings of Rufous and Black-chinned, while still rare and noteworthy, are slowly becoming less uncommon. Maybe Ruby-throateds will become regulars in central TX. Kevin, Greyhawk, any input?

Black-thinned Hummers usually show up on March 4th sometimes a day off either way. Ruby-throated aren't near as precise, but they are usually two weeks to a month later than the Black-chinned.

[TexasCobra]

I saw the Ruby-throated Hummingbird again today. I would definitely classify him as a winter resident exemplar of the species rather that an early arrival of the spring migration. The last sighting was several days ago when the afternoon sun illuminated his red throat. I have posted several sightings of him in January and February.

He knows he can get a good feed from the three hummingbird feeders I have suspended above my balcony and below the backyard live oak branches at a time when wildflowers are not in bloom.

On this occasion he approached the feeder from the far side as I was reading a book seated directly beneath the feeder. I only saw his belly and tail. They were distinguishing marks of the species. Today's weather report from NWS is as follows:

Fair 66°F 19°C Humidity 18% Wind Speed N 3 mph Barometer 30.27 in Dewpoint 21°F (-6°C) Visibility 10.00 mi Last update Feb 4:35 pm CST

[john d]

I saw the Ruby-throated Hummingbird again today. I would definitely classify him as a winter resident exemplar of the species rather that an early arrival of the spring migration. The last sighting was several days ago when the afternoon sun illuminated his red throat. I have posted several sightings of him in January and February.

He knows he can get a good feed from the three hummingbird feeders I have suspended above my balcony and below the backyard live oak branches at a time when wildflowers are not in bloom.

On this occasion he approached the feeder from the far side as I was reading a book seated directly beneath the feeder. I only saw his belly and tail. They were distinguishing marks of the species. Today's weather report from NWS is as follows:

Fair 66°F 19°C Humidity 18% Wind Speed N 3 mph Barometer 30.27 in Dewpoint 21°F (-6°C) Visibility 10.00 mi Last update Feb 4:35 pm CST

it has been rather warm this month in the Dallas area, in the 80s for a lot of days in February is really unusual. the one's that frequent my feeder typically leave in early Oct and return in April. maybe I should put my feeders back out. thou usually the Juncos are gone when the hummers get back and there are still quite a few around at this time.

[Charlie Spencer]

it has been rather warm this month in the Dallas area, in the 80s for a lot of days in February is really unusual. the one's that frequent my feeder typically leave in early Oct and return in April. maybe I should put my feeders back out. thou usually the Juncos are gone when the hummers get back and there are still quite a few around at this time.

The birds on their wintering grounds don't know the temperatures along their routes or at their destinations. Migration in most species is triggered by the length of the day.

https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/humm ... 26-map.htm