Hummingbird migration map: See where hummingbirds have been spotted in Wisconsin
The migration of the world's tiniest feathered fliers is in full swing. As of May 1, ruby-throated hummingbird sightings in the U.S. have been reported from Key Largo at the southern tip of Florida to as far north as Hayward, Wisconsin, according to Hummingbird Central.
A variety of hummingbirds have also been spotted along the West Coast, including Anna's Hummingbirds along the California coast and Rufus Hummingbirds in the Pacific Northwest. Black chin Hummingbirds were sighted across Texas, while the Broad-tailed Hummingbird species was seen in Colorado.
An interactive map Wisconsin eBird shows that the popular Ruby-throated hummingbird has been spotted in every county in the state. The map records daily sightings from amateur birders. A similar map on Hummingbird Central shows that the tiny bird, which begins its migration from its wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico, has taken up residence across the eastern half of the U.S.
For many Wisconsin residents, spring hasn't arrived until the first Robin has been spotted. However, hummingbird aficionados are just dedicated. As the little birds begin making their way further north, following nectar sources such as flowers and feeders, sightings begin trickling in.
According to reports on Hummingbird Central, the first sighting in Wisconsin was recorded on April 17 in Eagle River. One early birder in Kenosha spotted the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird on April 18 and noted, "Earliest ever for us. Glad I had feeders up!"
A birder in Hayward County spotted a male hummingbird on April 30 and commented on the early arrival.
Hummingbird sightings in Fond du Lac and Brown counties were reported on April 28, while the tiny birds were spotted at feeders along Lake Michigan from April 23 through April 30.
Sightings in Stevens Point and Wausau were recorded on April 28 and April 30.
Bird watchers in southeast Wisconsin reported 'on time' arrivals in Belgium Mequon, Brookfield, New Berlin and Wales. A Menomonee Falls birder reported their first sighting on the last day of April, exclaiming "So excited to finally see one!"
You can follow Hummingbird Central's live map throughout the spring and summer, as well as report your own sightings here.
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The best way to encourage hummingbirds to your yard is to plant plenty of food resources for them.
You should ideally grow a variety of nectar-producing flowers, with feeders to supplement when blooms are in short supply, according to the UW-Madison Department of Horticulture.
The department also recommends staggering bloom times to make sure hummingbirds have a food source for the entire season, as well as providing a source of water and trees or tall shrubs for nesting and perching. Make sure to avoid using pesticides that kill small insects that hummingbirds regularly eat.
Here are some of the best Midwestern plants to grow for hummingbirds, according to UW-Madison. There are many other plants that will also attract the birds, so find a longer list here.
Cuphea, especially "David Verity" cuphea plants
Cardinals
Coral honeysuckle
Beebalm
Texas or scarlet sage
Blue anise sage
Amateur birders can report and track their daily bird sightings on the following sites:
Wisconsin eBird: Allows you to report and track your daily sighting from your birding excursions. You can also see real-time bird sightings from other birders across the state.
Wisconsin Society of Ornithology: Provides information to document rare birds and how to use eBird for seasonal reports.
The Great Backyard Bird Count: A global project to record bird abundance and distribution. You can contribute by reporting your observations of Wisconsin birds.
Report a rare bird: This information is used for species on Wisconsin's Natural Heritage Working List.
Report a sick or dead bird by using the directory of wildlife rehabilitators or contacting your local DNR office.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Here's where hummingbirds have been sighted in Wisconsin this spring
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