In mid to late April, a tiny quick-flying nectar-feeding bird migrates back north to enjoy the feast of spring’s blooming flowers. The frenzied flight of hummingbirds makes the cardinals and sparrows look like tortoises. We most often see the Ruby-throated hummingbird here in Kansas City; but, when storms or something else moves the hummingbirds off their usual migratory course, it’s possible to see some different species of hummers hovering around your home.
If you have a hummingbird feeder, wildflowers, or a lively fountain that attracts hummers, you may enjoy this citizen science project: Hummingbirds @ Home.
Through Citizen Science Projects, anyone can conduct research from almost anywhere and record data that goes directly toward local or global scientific research. There are over 3,000 global citizen science projects. There are projects where senior citizens can make observations from the window of their room, families can research from their kitchen, schools can research from their playground, or local interest groups can research together as partners. For more information on Citizen Science projects, you can call the F.L. Schlagle library branch at 913-295-8250 ext. 2.