Winter TLC for Hummingbirds
Anna's hummingbirds overwinter throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Protect feeders from snow and the elements by placing them under the eaves or another sheltered location.
A woolen sock insulates the nectar so it doesn't freeze so quickly.
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If you happen to live where hummingbirds overwinter, such as the Pacific Northwest, they need a steady supply of nectar. While other wee fliers migrate down south for the winter, Anna's hummingbird does not. When winters are kind without hard frosts, Anna's do quite well with chilly nectar - as long as it isn't frozen. However, with below freezing temperatures, especially for prolonged periods of time, even our hardy Anna's hummingbird will die.
When it does get cold, hummingbirds have the ability to go into a restful state. As they 'sleep' their bodily functions slow right down. For example, their breathing rate will drop from 245 breaths per minute to 6 breaths! That's a fantastic adaptation to the conditions, hence their success. Even with their slowed down metabolism, they must have nectar to survive. Since there's no nectar in the winter, hummingbird feeders are essential. A steady supply is also critical so inspect them a few times a day to make sure the nectar hasn't frozen in the feeder. It's also a good idea to hang them where they are protected from the elements, especially from snow as it covers the feeding ports. Have more than one feeder as hummingbirds are very territorial and don't like sharing. Keep feeders filled and clean thoroughly every 5 days with one part bleach to 9 parts water with a dash of dish soap. Alternately, mix 2 part water to 1 part vinegar and soak for a couple of hours. Rinse and dry thoroughly then refill with fresh nectar. To make the nectar, boil a cup of water and mix in ¼ cup of white sugar and allow to cool. Don’t use brown sugar, honey or any other type of sweetener. |
To keep nectar from freezing during the winter attach a hummingbird heater to the feeder. They are commonly sold at garden centres, at Wild Birds Unlimited and at Amazon. Another option is to wrap the feeder with a string of outdoor rated incandescent holiday lights. Or clamp an infrared shop light a couple of feet away from the feeder. Check online for other innovative solutions. People are quite inventive when it comes to keeping the nectar from freezing.
In mild climates, just bring in the feeders in the evening if a hard frost is predicted. Place them on trays to capture any spills and return them outside in the morning. If nectar freezes during the day, have more than one feeder and switch them out during the day. This is another good reason to have more than one feeder. To help insulate the nectar from the cold I slip on wool socks with an opening slit into the toe, over the feeder. It helps keep them warmer for longer and the hummingbirds don't seem to distracted by the added sock no matter what the design.
Hummingbirds need to feed at daybreak, so hang feeders at daybreak. This is even more critical during the winter when they rely on you to get them through the day. It is a lot of responsibility providing them with unfrozen nectar during the winter, however, without a steady supply they will not survive, especially if winter flowering plants are not in flower at the time of a deep freeze or are not nearby. Check below for suitable winter flowering plants, and consider adding them to your garden to provide hummers with a natural source of nectar.
In mild climates, just bring in the feeders in the evening if a hard frost is predicted. Place them on trays to capture any spills and return them outside in the morning. If nectar freezes during the day, have more than one feeder and switch them out during the day. This is another good reason to have more than one feeder. To help insulate the nectar from the cold I slip on wool socks with an opening slit into the toe, over the feeder. It helps keep them warmer for longer and the hummingbirds don't seem to distracted by the added sock no matter what the design.
Hummingbirds need to feed at daybreak, so hang feeders at daybreak. This is even more critical during the winter when they rely on you to get them through the day. It is a lot of responsibility providing them with unfrozen nectar during the winter, however, without a steady supply they will not survive, especially if winter flowering plants are not in flower at the time of a deep freeze or are not nearby. Check below for suitable winter flowering plants, and consider adding them to your garden to provide hummers with a natural source of nectar.
Plants for Overwintering Hummingbirds
Charity Oregon grape holly, Mahonia x media 'Charity'
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Chinese witch hazel, Hamamelis mollis
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Bodnant viburnum, Viburnum x bodnantense,hummingbird nectar plant
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For natural sources of nectar include late winter and early flowering plants in your garden: Mahonias (Mahonia x media), witch hazels (Hamamelis), Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’, winter camellias (Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’), sweetbox (Sarcococca), winter daphne (Daphne odora).
Yuletide winter camellia, Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'
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Sweetbox, Sarcococca confusa
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Winter daphne, Daphne odora
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