Winters can be tough for wild birds, but backyard bird enthusiasts can help by providing birdseed and water, and sugar water for hummingbirds.
Anna’s hummingbirds don’t migrate in the winter; they become dormant daily to conserve energy, entering a state of torpor on cold nights. Their body temperature lowers, and their heart rate slows.
If you like to feed birds during the winter, you know that as temperatures drop and it gets colder, the water in hummingbird feeders can freeze, preventing the hummingbirds from getting the nutrients they need and potentially causing them bodily harm. There are special heaters designed for hummingbird feeders to prevent the sugar water from freezing.
Feeders should be stocked with sugar water made of four parts water and one part white sugar. Hummingbirds depend on this for energy when their usual food sources (insects and floral nectar) are unavailable. It’s easy to make a batch of sugar water by boiling four cups of water in a clean glass container and adding a cup of white sugar. Be sure to stir the mixture and then let it cool to room temperature before filling your feeders. Store left over liquid in the refrigerator.
Hummingbird feeders should be carefully cleaned at least once a week to avoid nectar buildup or mould growth.
Keeping all bird feeders and bird baths clean is key to preventing and spreading diseases such as salmonella, trichomoniasis, aspergillosis, and avian pox among our other feathered friends.
Once a month, take down your bird feeders and soak them in a 10% bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly and dry the feeders before refilling them. Discard old seeds and remove seed from the ground. Some diseases can be spread to humans, so protect yourself by wearing gloves while doing the cleaning or wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Heated birdbaths designed to keep the water from freezing are available so birds can access water in the colder months. Please keep the birdbath clean by rinsing and scrubbing it with nine parts water and one part vinegar before refilling it. And refill the water regularly.
If you see a bird with illness symptoms such as a lack of energy or movement, tremors, lack of coordination, or swelling around the head, neck, and/or eyes, call North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRA) or your local wildlife rehabilitation centre for advice.
NIWRA, a non-profit organization, is situated in Errington. We are open to the public daily for viewing of non-releasable animals. Please visit our website at www.niwra.org to learn more about our programs, read stories about our animals, and learn how you can help care for wildlife.
