Re: [cobirds] hummingbird

Doug, Brenda, et al,

With almost all wintering birds, if they have a problem, the problem isn't the temperature, it's food and open water availability.  I agree with everything you said, Doug.  Any flying insects in the middle of winter when temps are below freezing are almost assuredly chironomid midges.  They have physiological adaptations (i.e., internal chemistry) that suppresses their freezing temperature below 32 degrees F.  Their presence also speaks to unfrozen water somewhere nearby.  Regardless of the date, if there is open water, there will be flying adult midges of which insectivores can take advantage. 

Dave Leatherman

Fort Collins

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From: cobirds@googlegroups.com <cobirds@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Doug Ward <dougward@frontier.com>
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2020 10:07 AM
To: bbeatty7704@gmail.com <bbeatty7704@gmail.com>; cobirds@googlegroups.com <cobirds@googlegroups.com>
Subject: RE: [cobirds] hummingbird

 

Brenda,

 

Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier, just checking in now.  It would be interesting to know what species, but wouldn't panic, hummingbirds of all flavors are remarkably durable.  It would probably cause more stress to try and bring it into captivity than leaving it alone. 

 

We split time between Denver and northern Idaho (here currently) where Anna's have started moving in as regular Winter residents the past 5-10 years; just had a nice adult male "move in" last week.  Granted Calypte hummingbirds are built as resident birds, but I had similar concerns as you initially.  After consulting several hummingbird experts I know, realized inaction was the best action.  The toughest part ends up trying to keep the feeder thawed, if you keep it up at all, particularly when it gets well below zero F.  Bear in mind that a hummingbird's diet isn't just nectar/sugar water, but largely sustain on insects.  A feeder is supplying them occasional jolts of energy, but won't hold them back from moving on when they are ready.

 

We now keep a heated feeder up all Winter (in Idaho) as it is nice having the Anna's around on a cold, snowy day knowing they would be fine with or without it hanging at the window.  I'm glad you asked the group for advice, and mine is just one opinion.  Please keep us posted.

 

Good Birding,

Doug

 

PS – Would really like to know what species give it is late October.  Any chance you have pictures?

PS#2 – Have watched Anna's catching "gnats" (help me out here David) when it was -10F, so 2F would have been like Summer – again, don't worry too much.

 

From: cobirds@googlegroups.com <cobirds@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of bbeatty7704@gmail.com
Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2020 7:53 AM
To: cobirds@googlegroups.com
Subject: [cobirds] hummingbird

 

HELP!!  I have a hummingbird (juvenile?) at my feeder.  Do you think it can survive 2 degrees?   Or, can you think of a way I could catch him until it warms up, then I can release him, and hopefully he will head south?  Or I could get him to a rehabber.  Please respond today.

 

Brenda Beatty

Sedalia, Colorado, Douglas County

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