Freezing Temps and Hummers

[Joe M]

Hummers have no problems with freezing temperatures and will adapt for a period of time. How long they remain in a locale that is subject to temperatures below freezing will be fairly brief. They depend on a source of protein which they derive from insects which are not present in sub zero temperatures. This explains the the reason why hummers migrate.
Flowers and their associated nectar are lost and the insect population is essentially gone. They must move south to warmer climatic conditions where they can survive.
Since we have a cold front associated with freezing temperatures north of central FL we should expect more activity and a better opportunity of seeing hummers the next few days.
This afternoon I have observed two new hummers in my yard, an adult male and a female (both Ruby-throated) which confirms my 30+ years of observing these fantastic birds, and the increased numbers of hummers associated with freezing temperatures in northern FL and the 'Panhandle of FL'.
Joe M.
Lakeland

[moboston]

Yep, my two - the banded female Rufous and the adult male Ruby were both using the feeders throughout the day. Surprisingly, the gal was using the two feeders in the back yard, not the flat feeder. Maybe because they were more in the sun than the side yard feeders. Got a half decent pic of her. The band is farther back on her leg but enlarged you can see it.

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[Steve Backes]

I counted 7 hummingbirds in the yard today (up from 3 birds before the freeze) including a young male Black-chinned and the young male Rufous that has been around. The other 5 were Ruby-throateds, 3 adult males, one female, and one young male. The Black-chinned was the first bird seen this morning but he was not seen again. I was able to watch him for quite a while before he was chased away by two other hummingbirds. The Rufous fed at a feeder in my backyard all morning but was not to be seen all afternoon. Very little hummingbird activity was observed after noon.

[carola]

I've just seen our first male ruby-throated hummingbird of 2012. This is a little early in the year than we've seen prior years.

Carol
Tallahassee, FL

[Joe M]

Carol,
You are correct that it is early for a 'true northerly migration to begin so we can assume it is an overwintering hummer that has been in your area but probably not in your yard on a daily basis.
Or a hummer that was wintering further south and is starting to 'wander a bit north to get a head start on on the northerly migration. I know a couple of mine have wandered off a lttle early.
Joe M.
Lakeland

[marthaloul]

Now that we have had our freeze, the bees are flocking to the hummingbird feeders. I have seen a hummer go to the feeder twice but not stay very long. What is the solution to this problem? I have 7 feeders up.

[Joe M]

Temperatures are changing!!!!!
Significant cooling over the the next few days in FL so keep an eye out and your feeders fresh. Would'nt be surprised to have hummers pushed down into Central and South FL as a result of the much colder (near or freezing temperatures).
Winter may have finally made its presence in FL.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and hope it brings some of our favorite birds to your home.
Joe M.
Lakeland, FL

[cmant1]

The Hummingbirds are feeding more with the cold front.
I'm getting a number of hummingbirds now.
I had one Ruby throated the other day.
I surely hope it warms up soon.
Have A Great Holiday Season,
Cliff
Sebastian, FL