FYI, 'Citizen Science' Opportunity for Northern HB enthusiasts:
A number of out-of-territory Rufous and other rare species of HBs have been found at feeders in the Midwest and East in the past few years, especially during the late fall and winter. Now experts suggest that if possible HB enthusiasts keep a feeder or two up in the winter to observe for these little birds and also to report their sightings to hummingbird research sites and birding societies. If you have an interest in this and wish to keep your feeders out, here are some suggestions on how to maintain them during freezing temperatures:
(1) Keep a highly visible feeder out, but to keep the solution from freezing (usually at around 26 degrees) bring it in at night and put it out in early morning. (Of course, this won't work when temps are continuously very cold or if you forget, etc.)
(2) Mount an outdoor floodlight about 12 to 18 inches from the feeder and switch it on when the the temps get down to freezing.
(3) Affix "Plumbers Heat Tape" to your feeder and run an extension cord from it to a grounded outlet. This tape is often available with a temperature sensitive feature that will automatically turn on when a freeze is at hand. Amazon lists several sources: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Heat-AHB-019-9-Foot-Easyheat/dp/B00002N6MB/ref=cm_syf_dtl_pop_2 (This sounds like the best idea to me!)
For more information on who to contact if you have a winter hummingbird sighting click on: http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org/WhoToContactWinteringHummers.html
And details on how to set up a Winter HB Feeding station: http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org/winterfeeder.html
Keep us posted if you try one of these methods. I would like to know how it's working for you!
Good luck. t.
Now's the time to Winterize your HB Feeders
