Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
Whenever Nova Scotia Bird Association President Tony Millard goes on the Hummingbird Central website and sees the North American migration map and current path of hummingbirds, it connects him to one of the primary passions in his life.
"I am excited and almost all of the birders in Nova Scotia get really excited for migration time," said Millard.
The hummingbird is a very small bird that makes short hops during its migration up the eastern seaboard. Five hummingbird species travel to Canada, mostly from southern Mexico and Central America. The birds begin their journey usually in January, and fly by day at low altitudes, which allows them to spot food along the way.
"The instinct is amazing that they know where to go," said Halifax resident Michelle Brenton. "And it means spring is in the air."
Latest scientific research indicates a hummingbird can travel up to 35 kilometres each day.
However, the birds do face obstacles in their migration.
"The climate is changing, the world is changing and the migration patterns are changing because of that," said Millard, who added that the first documented hummingbird arrival in Nova Scotia this year happened earlier this week in Weymouth.
"That arrival is earlier based on historical data because back in 2000, April 18 was an exceptionally early arrival that year."
According to wildlife expert Hope Swinimer, hummingbirds are resilient and can make the climate-based adjustments needed each spring as they travel in massive numbers up the eastern seaboard.
"They are really extraordinary creatures, and the more you learn about them, the more fascinating they are,” said Swinimer who operates Hope for Wildlife, an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Seaforth, N.S.
"The birds can fly backwards, they can hover and they can do all kinds of things other birds can’t do and I think that is part of their beauty and charm."
It is that charm, said Millard, that causes many Canadians to appreciate their arrival each year as a signal that the warm season has arrived.
"They are a fun little bird, they are bright and exceptional and they generally brighten up your day," said Millard.
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
One passenger was killed and 30 injured after a Singapore Airlines SIAL.SI flight from London hit severe turbulence en route on Tuesday, forcing it to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, officials and the airline said.
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
For those who go to their local libraries often, they know there’s much more to their library than just borrowing books. Local libraries in Atlantic Canada are now renting out a broader range of items for people.
Flashes of purple darting across the sky mixed with the serenading sound of songs will be noticed more with spring in full force in Manitoba.
Catching 'em all with impressive speed, a 7-year-old boy from Windsor, Ont. who only started his competitive Pokémon journey seven months ago has already levelled up to compete at a world championship level.
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
2b Theatre recently moved into the old Video Difference building, seeking to transform it into an artistic hub, meeting space, and temporary housing unit for visiting performers in Halifax.
A B.C. woman says her service dog pulled her from a lake moments before she had a seizure, saving her life.
A Starbucks fan — whose name is Winter — is visiting Canada on a purposeful journey that began with a random idea at one of the coffee chain's stores in Texas.
Members of Piapot First Nation, students from the University of Winnipeg and various other professionals are learning new techniques that will hopefully be used for ground searches of potential unmarked grave sites in the future.
ALS patient Mathew Brown said he’s hopeful for future ALS patients after news this week of research at Western University of a potential cure for ALS.