Hummingbird Habitat in Wisconsin: How Early Returns Affect Their Migration Route
Migration Timing: Hummingbirds typically migrate from Wisconsin in the fall, heading south for warmer climates. They begin returning in the spring, with many arriving in late April or early May.
Habitat Preferences: Hummingbirds prefer areas with abundant flowering plants. In Wisconsin, they are often found near gardens, forests, and wetlands that provide nectar-rich flowers.
Climate Factors: Early returns are often influenced by warmer spring temperatures, which bring flowers into bloom sooner. These conditions help hummingbirds find food more quickly.
Food Availability: As early as mid-April, early-returning hummingbirds may find a variety of flowers such as columbine, honeysuckle, and bee balm blooming in gardens.
Climate Change Impact: Warmer temperatures and early springs are leading some hummingbirds to return earlier than usual.
Threats: Early returnees face potential risks like sudden cold snaps that can damage flowers or deplete food supplies, leaving them vulnerable.
Role of Birdwatchers: In Wisconsin, birdwatchers play a crucial role in tracking these early returns and providing supplemental feeding sources like nectar-filled feeders.
Migration Patterns: Data from birdwatchers helps scientists understand how these early returns impact hummingbirds' migration routes, behavior, and survival rates.