GC.SUL@forsythe.stanford.edu (Sullivan) (12/14/90)
Re "what would Anna's Hummingbirds be eating if we didn't have our feeders up?" According to the Audubon Society and Mile HI Canyon Preserve- the appearance of hummingbirds in the winter really has nothing to do with available feeders. Hunmmingbirds are dependent on insects-and so will leave an area if all the insects freeze out. They reccomend leaving feeders up all winter if you are in a fairly mild area as they do benefit hummingbirds as an available source of instant nectar. Keep in mind that even in January in California, Manzanitas are going into bloom, and there usually is some sorce of nectar for hummingbirds to find. Up here in Kelseyville, it is going down to below 30 degrees at night. I still have my 3 feeders up and see hummingbirds go to them. I ALSO see clouds of small insects out in the evening. If you have Annas at all, keep in mind that they are not normally migratory birds, and you must be in an area where they can survive the winter. Keep the feeders up and fresh-and you will definately be aiding them Karen Sullivan, formerly of Hummingbird Gardens