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Hummers and the predicted weather



Dear All,

With the snowy and unusually frigid temperatures predicted over the next
couple days, I just wanted to reassure folks with hummingbirds in the
Carolinas that the situation is not as dire as you might be thinking.  It
will be very important that all hummingbird hosts keep their feeders thawed
during the day--and for most (even on the coast) that will not be an easy
task unless you have your feeders in a protected spot next to the house and
have a heat source (light or heat lamp) close to your feeder.  Those who do
not will have to rotate feeders inside and out so that the birds have a
steady source of nectar.  It may not get above the freezing point of 4:1
sugar water (27 degrees) in many areas so folks need to be vigilant.  For
those near the coast who may experience significant snow during the day
tomorrow and have your feeder in the open, a roof or baffle above the feeder
will be helpful to the bird(s).  A golf umbrella tied or taped to a
shepherd's hook works very well.

Believe it or not, our hummers will still be able to find insects during
this period.  However, they will surely be very active at feeders until
warms up over the weekend.  Once the temperatures rebound Saturday insects
will become more abundant again and things will return to normal for these
birds.

Remember, the hummingbirds we have through the winter, especially the
western species, are very hardy.  If they are healthy, they should not be
adversely affected.  Take heart, they have been known to survive even colder
weather north of our borders  (there is a hummingbird in Ohio right now that
has been there for some time).

**One more note: those of you who have had a feeder up and not seen any
hummingbirds yet should also try to keep your feeders thawed.  There are
certainly are hummers wandering the area who might appear as a result of
this weather.

I must add that having a Rufous Hummingbird myself right now I am more than
a little anxious--even knowing what I do.  We all just have to have faith
that their good instincts will prevail.

Do not hesitate to contact me directly at home via phone or email if you
have any specific questions. Good luck to you all.

Susan Campbell
Whispering Pines, NC
(910) 949-3207