Someone else to look out for, with all the cold…
Posted January 16, 2012 at 5:16 pm by Ian Byington
Male Anna's Hummingbird
One of the most knowledgeable bird experts on San Juan Island is Susan Vernon, and she just checked in with a thought about one of our smaller friends:
Hi Ian,
I thought I would jot you a note regarding the overwintering Anna’s Hummingbirds on the island now. I suspect some folks don’t know we have hummingbirds here in the winter and when we get ice and snow it can be a challenging time for the beautiful little birds. Some island gardens has winter-blooming jasmine, mahonia, honeysuckle and other plants that are good nectar sources for them, but feeders can be very helpful to Anna when it snows or the temperatures take a dive.
Female Anna's Hummingbird
I have had a pair at my place all winter and they are staying close by my feeder now. I know several other islanders who have hummingbirds at their feeders, too. Perhaps a little extra support would be a good thing for the next few days – or anytime this winter when the temperatures plummet.
Islanders who have feeders they put out for the Rufous Hummingbirds in the spring and summer might want to put them out now for Anna. Thanks, Ian.
– Susan Vernon
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Categories: Enviro Corner
4 comments:
4 comments...
Dave and I are maintaining our hummer feeder with fresh food each day. The hummingbirdss have been here each day from dawn to dusk during feeding time. What a joy they are! Females mostly feeding.
Dave and Dot Vandaveer
I don’t have feeders since there are so many neighborhhod cats. But I do have a Dawn Viburnum in bloom and the Anna hummers visited last year. Haven’t seen one yet this year.
I have had Anna’s stick pretty close to our place too. Upon the suggestion of someone else, I’ve basically been rotating feeders. One freezes, rotate inside and put an unfrozen one out. Seems to keep them very happy! Amazing little things!
We too have for sure two females, and I think an occasional male possibly. It seems that the throat plummage isn’t quite as radiant this time of year?
Keeping our two feeders going! When they are low or out… our little Hummers buzz our kitchen window to let us know! Same in the Summer with the Rufus!
Cheap Entertainment!
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