OT, but you expressed some concern about the hummingbird. Now there are
*two* hummingbirds! A male ruby throat has joined her. There are
definitely two of them. Quite a surprise! I am so glad I kept that
feeder filled. And that they have managed to surive in this
bone-chilling cold.

I can see one of them sitting on a frozen branch, can't get a picture of
her.

The freezing rain is moving in. I just refilled the other bird feeder.
They're flocking and stocking up. By mid day I expect everything to be
coated with ice.

This is most unusual weather for this far south.

Jill
Saint Helena Island, SC

On 1/3/2018 8:38 AM, jmcquown wrote:
> OT, but you expressed some concern about the hummingbird.Â* Now there
> are *two* hummingbirds!Â* A male ruby throat has joined her.Â* There are
> definitely two of them.Â* Quite a surprise!Â* I am so glad I kept that
> feeder filled.Â* And that they have managed to surive in this
> bone-chilling cold.
>
> I can see one of them sitting on a frozen branch, can't get a picture
> of her.
>
> The freezing rain is moving in.Â* I just refilled the other bird
> feeder. They're flocking and stocking up.Â* By mid day I expect
> everything to be coated with ice.
>
> This is most unusual weather for this far south.
>
> Jill
> Saint Helena Island, SC

Â* Jill , is there a college with ornithology dept , or maybe a zoo
close by you ? These little darlin's energy needs are so intense , and
in this cold they can't go into torpor or they'll freeze (I think ...).
With freezing rain in the forecast I think you need to consult a
professional ... I know there are parts of your area that do have an
overwinter population but don't know the exact areas . I do hope they
make it thru this !

--
Snag
Ain't no dollar sign on
peace of mind - Zac Brown

On 1/3/2018 10:10 AM, Terry Coombs wrote:
> On 1/3/2018 8:38 AM, jmcquown wrote:
>> OT, but you expressed some concern about the hummingbird.Â* Now there
>> are *two* hummingbirds!Â* A male ruby throat has joined her.Â* There are
>> definitely two of them.Â* Quite a surprise!Â* I am so glad I kept that
>> feeder filled.Â* And that they have managed to surive in this
>> bone-chilling cold.
>>
>> I can see one of them sitting on a frozen branch, can't get a picture
>> of her.
>>
>> The freezing rain is moving in.Â* I just refilled the other bird
>> feeder. They're flocking and stocking up.Â* By mid day I expect
>> everything to be coated with ice.
>>
>> This is most unusual weather for this far south.
>>
>> Jill
>> Saint Helena Island, SC
>
> Â* Jill , is there a college with ornithology dept , or maybe a zoo
> close by you ? These little darlin's energy needs are so intense , and
> in this cold they can't go into torpor or they'll freeze (I think ...).
> With freezing rain in the forecast I think you need to consult a
> professional ... I know there are parts of your area that do have an
> overwinter population but don't know the exact areas . I do hope they
> make it thru this !
>
No zoos around here or a college with an ornithtology department.
There's not much I can do but keep the feeder filled. All the branches
are icing over. Even so, I've rarely seen a hummingbird after October.
Now there are two in January.

They've obviously been able to go into torpor in their nests, otherwise
they wouldn't still be here. Sorry but there is nothing a
"professional" could do. What, trap them and move them to Florida?
I'll just leave them be and be amazed they're still around in freezing
weather.

Jill