I was wondering if anyone that feeds the Anna's during winter, particularly in the cooler climates, increase their nectar ratio from 4:1 to 3:1 or up to 2:1?.....I was interested on some feedback if anyone does...thanks in advance..
Sandy
nectar in winter
It seems like that would make sense in theory, but I've read that anything above a 1 to 4 ratio is harmful to hummingbirds.
BTW, how many visitors do you have this time of year?...I still am in disbelief over the fact that Anna's don't bother going to warmer areas.
Continue to feed them 4:1. Hummers are very busy breeding here now. The boys are stunning. In the 80s here today though so I cannot say I have a cool climate lol.
Thanks for the replies Greenlife and Frogrus....There are few males and females that hang about my feeders...I even had 2 females feeding at the same time which was quite surprising.....we have had quite cool and rainy weather lately reaching only about 8 celcius (46 F) as a high during the day....I still find it amazing myself how these little creatures survive the damp, cool weather and keep coming back and I agree, the males are just spectacular....I will keep it at a 4:1 ratio.....I envy your California weather!......
Sandy
Sandy, I have a friend here in Victoria who leaves her feeders out year round, and she constantly has hummers at them. The hummer sin my yard never re-appear until spring, but she is close to downtown and I am out by Sidney, so we are a bit cooler here. They even are very careful on the rare occasions when the feeders start to freeze, and refill them to keep them going.
I have always used 3:1.
Glenda
HI Glenda....
Yes there seems to be no shortage of Anna's this year ....apparently from what the local birdstore has reported, they have had more reports of people having the Anna's around this year than in previous years here...its sure been mild as of late as you know living in Sidney and luckily, we havent had too much of a cold snap...my feeders hang below the eaves so they are protected somewhat but will have to keep an eye out if we get another cold snap before spring....I hope not!...not that i am enjoying the monsoons either...I just kept the hummingbird feeders out through September and once the Rufous' left, the Anna's seemed to appear...the males seem to own one feeder the the females the other...they are quite entertaining....thanks for your info!.....
Sandy
I keep feeders inside my patio. The hummers sit and cuss the rain. After a few years of this, they now think that they own my patio too so now I get buzzed as soon as I go out the back door. I also hear about it if a feeder gets empty. It is breeding season now so they are quite entertaining.
Frogs, you must have a lot of hummers to empty your feeders..that would be a sight to see.....
Sandy
Looks like you have plenty of visitors in spite of the cold. I'm sure they're grateful for the feeders.