How to Care for Hummingbirds in Winter

Hummingbirds are known for their dazzling colors and astonishing ability to hover like tiny helicopters. While many of these feathered wonders migrate to warmer climates in winter, some species, like Anna’s Hummingbird, stay put even in colder regions. For bird enthusiasts, this raises the question: how can we help these delicate creatures survive and thrive during the frosty months?

1.Keep feeders clean:

Feeders often attract unusually large numbers of hummingbirds to one area this can be a joy to watch, but also means any fungus or bacteria in the feeder will affect many birds. These infections can cause their tongues to swell and often result in death, a sad outcome for birds and bird lovers. Clean feeders regularly to prevent fungal or bacterial growth.

Clean feeders with a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water about once a week. Change the nectar solution every few days.

2.Offer Shelter:

It takes a lot of energy for hummingbirds to stay warm in the winter. Giving them a place to stay can help them save heat.

1.Plant Evergreen Shrubs and Trees: These provide natural cover and protection from the wind.
2.Install Roosting Boxes: Small birdhouses or roosting boxes can offer a safe space for hummingbirds to rest.
3.Create Brush Piles: A simple pile of twigs and leaves in your yard can serve as a temporary refuge.

3.Keep your feeder from freezing:

Birds that have become dependent on feeders may starve if they are left empty or allowed to freeze. Make sure your nectar is available all winter long and never freezes or forms ice crystals.

Have a friend or neighbour check your feeder if you’re away. In harsh temperatures, you may need to bring your feeder in at night to prevent freezing – this won’t disrupt the hummingbirds if the feeder is put back out first thing in the morning. Hummingbirds are most commonly injured when the feeding tube entrances get frozen – double-check the openings to make sure they’re safe.

Compared to taller tube feeders, shallow, dish-style nectar feeders could be simpler to keep frozen. Keep your feeder out of the wind and snow to try to establish a warming zone. Steer clear of hummingbird feeders with exposed metal components since they may become overly hot or cold during severe weather.

You might have to get creative to keep your feeders thawed. Just make sure that your creative solutions are weather-proof and safe. Try some of these ideas:

1.buy an extra feeder or two – keep one inside and alternate them as needed
2.acquire a feeder heater from a specialty retailer.
3.insulate your feeder by wrapping it in a wool sock.
4.wrap the feeder in plumbers tape.

4.Make your feeder visible:

Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to red and other bright colours.These hues indicate nectar-rich blooms to them. For this reason, a lot of hummingbird feeders have red bases or containers.you can make it more attractive by adding a bright red ribbon. Over time, the birds will learn and remember where to find nectar.

Don’t add red food colouring, or buy pre-made nectar dyed red. These additives simply aren’t designed or tested for tiny hummingbirds and their lightning-fast metabolism. Stick to basics, and use our simple white sugar recipe to make sure you’re keeping hummingbirds safe.

3.Prevent Nectar from Freezing:

One of the biggest challenges in winter is keeping the nectar liquid during freezing temperatures. Here are a few tips:

1.Use Heated Feeders: Invest in specially designed heated hummingbird feeders that prevent nectar from freezing.
2.DIY Solutions: Wrap the feeder in outdoor-grade Christmas lights or use heat lamps to keep the nectar warm.
3.Move feeders: indoors at night and back outside in the morning if the temperature falls too low.

5.Plant Winter-Friendly Flowers:

If you live in a region where winters are mild, consider planting flowers that bloom in colder months. Flowers like camellias, winter jasmine, and hellebores can provide an additional nectar source for hummingbirds.

Just because a hummingbird is very still, doesn’t always mean they’re in trouble. Hummingbirds can go into an energy-saving state called torpor on cold winter nights. They do this to conserve their energy in extreme cold and/or when food resources are scarce. In winter, they may also eat more insects when there’s not enough nectar from natural sources or feeders.

Caring for hummingbirds in winter is a simple yet meaningful way to connect with nature. By providing food, shelter, and consistent care.Prepare your feeders, wrap up warm, and enjoy the fluttering company of hummingbirds all season long. Your small acts of kindness will be rewarded with their dazzling presence.