[Mnbird] Hummers

[Richard carlson]

Birds are amazingly well insulated so food supply is much more important than temps.  In addition, hummers have evolved nighttime torpor so their internal temp drops dramatically.   High altitude hummers such as the bearded helmetcrest survive where it freezes almost nightly.  
Food as the key was proven recently when climate change fanatics insisted that the range expansion northward of Anna’s hummingbirds to places like Seattle “must” be due to climate change.   Careful analysis of the data showed that temps had increased 1 degree but the birds were surviving in 8 degrees colder areas. Furthermore, the range expansion was only to urban areas where hummer feeders were available.  No food, no hummers.

Richard Carlson
Tucson & Lake Tahoe
Sent from my iPhone


> On Oct 8, 2019, at 5:25 AM, Pamela Freeman <gleskarider at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I guess I stand corrected! I assumed hummers all, well, most, migrated. (US)  I suppose it is not a case of temperature that drives migration but food availability.  So, if the right food is available to enable survival at a given temperature, then, sure, some may stick around.  Look at Mn and robins. Some seem to stay where food sources are maintained.  Crabapples, etc.  
> 
>> On Mon, Oct 7, 2019, 11:28 PM Richard Carlson via Mnbird <mnbird at lists.mnbird.net> wrote:
>> Rufous in AK.  Ruby throat in New England
>> 
>> Richard Carlson
>> Full time birder, part time economist
>> Tucson & Lake Tahoe
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>> > On Oct 7, 2019, at 5:28 PM, Leslie Kottke <kltk at comcast.net> wrote:
>> > 
>> > Ruby .Throats ??
>> > 
>> >> On Oct 7, 2019, at 7:04 PM, Richard Carlson via Mnbird <mnbird at lists.mnbird.net> wrote:
>> >> 
>> >> My Tahoe cabin is at 7,000 ft so it’s just as cold as MN.  Hummers have overwintered in Alaska and New England at feeders with heaters.  
>> >> 
>> >> Richard Carlson
>> >> Full time birder, part time economist
>> >> Tucson & Lake Tahoe
>> >> Sent from my iPad
>> >> 
>> >>>> On Oct 7, 2019, at 4:35 PM, Leslie Kottke <kltk at comcast.net> wrote:
>> >>> 
>> >>> that may be true for California …Hummers can not over Winter in Minnesota !!
>> >>> 
>> >>>> On Oct 7, 2019, at 4:23 PM, Richard carlson via Mnbird <mnbird at lists.mnbird.net> wrote:
>> >>>> 
>> >>>> Hummers will overwinter wherever there is dependable food.   Mountain species, eg Rufous, are very cold resistant.  Most individuals will leave before it’s too late, but a few might stick around for the winter at feeders.  I’ve had Rufous hummers sitting at my frozen feeders at Lake Tahoe, waiting for them to thaw, in late October. 
>> >>>> 
>> >>>> Richard Carlson
>> >>>> Still from Minnesota, just temporarily absent since 1960
>> >>>> Tucson & Lake Tahoe
>> >>>> Sent from my iPhone
>> >>>> 
>> >>>> 
>> >>>>>> On Oct 7, 2019, at 8:35 AM, Sheryl Holland via Mnbird <mnbird at lists.mnbird.net> wrote:
>> >>>>> 
>> >>>>> Everyday I plan on taking my hummingbird feeders down, only to see another one at the feeders and impatiencs in railing boxes. Hate to encourage them to stay but hate more to send them away hungry.
>> >>>>> Oh dear, what to do.🤔
>> >>>>> Sheryl
>> >>>>> Faribault Co.
>> >>>>> 
>> >>>>> Sent from my iPad
>> >>>>> 
>> >>>>> 
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