Date: 12/04/2022

Number: 1

I still see a quick zooming hummingbird off and on that stays way out away. One perky pet feeder level is dropping.
One evening I saw it zoom around JB feeder at dusk 2 nights ago then take off back out.
That being I decided to bring in wild bird feeders hung near blooming flowers. Squirells are jumping, flying off feeders making too much rukus about 6 feet from hummingbird feeders.


As far as you reporters that do have overwintering Rufous or any species in cold regions,,, all I can say is keep feeders warm, is the best, only thing you can do for them.

Our past overwintering Rufous just stayed up in 30 plus high,holly, maple, oak trees in our older established neighborhood. They find their spot to go into topar when cold. They went to feeders when sun came out bright around 9 a.m.

I did see way back in an
(before internet) article copy of Birds and Blooms that a hummingbird went into a lighted 8 foot Christmas tree on their patio.

When Houston got down 17 degrees with no power for 2.5 days our feeders froze. Our Rufous survived but departed earlier before usual March. There is probably nothing one can do extra to help Rufous out, they are wild and have inborn instincts. They build up fats and go south or more westerly states when ready in winter to depart.

Years ago there was a JN reporter with an overwintering Rufous that got stuck in Connecticut. Our bird experts just said he got way off course apparently. He did leave finally in January and reporter had a hummingbird heater for him. That poor reporter relayed to me overwhelming advice she didn't ask for.

Y'all hang in there don't worry which is hard to do. A clear squirell baffle will keep snow off heater. I know it's hard not worry first hand as we did have snow once coming down over a hummingbird feeder hung outside then.

Beverly L
Houston

Houston, TX

Latitude: 29.8 Longitude: -95.4

Observed by: Beverly
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