Anna's hummingbird November 14

[jemaljaars]

I have an Anna's hummingbird feeding outside my kitchen window. Probably the same one as Sunday. I now will need help in how to make a frost free feeder for the winter as my other feeder is frozen this morning.

[Dave]

Good sighting, jemaljaars! I have added it to the monthly list making 104 species! 4 more and we have tied last year's November list

[Gord]

Glad to hear the hummer came back!!

There are some tricks to help keep the feeder from freezing.

You can mount a 150-watt outside flood or spot lamp about 10' inches from the feeder and aim it at the feeder. I think you can buy the portable types that have their own cord. A timer can be attached to turn the light on during daylight hours so the light doesnt burn all night. Im not sure how quickly the light will melt the food should it freeze solid overnight. The hummer will come at the first hint of light to eat especially during the cold. One could do some test runs after leaving a feeder in the freezer for a bit and then seeing how quickly it thaws from the light (keeping in mind the outside temperature that may help a little)

I read somewhere about plumer's heat tape. Apparently it is a type of tape with a little heater inside. You can wrap it around the feeder and just plug it in. It determines the air temperature and only turns on when it gets cold. It is used to prevent pipes from freezing.

There was a good discussion on this site about Anna's Hummingbirds in our area. Click on the link to learn more.

bcbirding.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=feeding&action=display&thread=1863

Good work! This bird is the furthest east Anna's Hummer Im aware of that is at a feeder. I would expect that we will be seeing more and more of these guys as time goes on. No luck at my feeder yet, but I am hoping!