Winter TLC for Hummingbirds
The Pacific Northwest is so mild, Anna's and Rufous, hummingbirds don't fly south for the winter.
Time to bring in this feeder and replace with another.
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If you happen to live where hummingbirds overwinter, they appreciate a steady supply of nectar. Have more than one feeder as they 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. Rinse and dry thoroughly and 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. |
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.
Hummingbirds need to feed at daybreak, so hang them first thing in the morning. This is even more critical during the winter when they rely on you to get them through the day.
Hummingbirds need to feed at daybreak, so hang them first thing in the morning. This is even more critical during the winter when they rely on you to get them through the day.
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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