How to Care for Hummingbirds in a Cooler Climate

Hummingbirds are typically found in gardens during the warm months and in warm climates. Anna's hummingbird is an exception, as it is found along the Pacific coast throughout the year. A major problem with feeding hummingbirds in cooler climates is that nectar freezes in the feeding bottles as the temperature drops. Frozen nectar can cause glass feeders to crack. Hummingbirds waiting for frozen nectar to thaw can succumb to starvation, as they are already in a hungry state from not feeding during the night. Fortunately there are a number of ways to ensure that nectar in a glass feeder does not freeze.

Things You'll Need

  • Sugar solution, one-in-three-part strength
  • Glass feeder
  • Covered area
  • Light source (optional)
  • Christmas lights (optional)
  • Heated room with window to the outside
  • Insulating material, such as paper, bubble wrap or tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare a nectar solution of one part sugar to three parts water. This stronger solution will provide additional energy to the hummingbirds during cooler temperatures. A one-in-three-part sugar solution will also have a lower freezing point than the more standard one-in-four-part solution.

    • 2

      Position the feeder in a protected area, such as under an eave or pergola. A cover over the feeder prevents rain, ice and snow from falling onto it and can also protect the glass tube from the cooling effects of the wind.

    • 3

      Place a light source about a foot from the glass feeder. Heat generated from the light, particularly in a sheltered area, will warm the nectar sufficiently to allow the hummingbirds to feed.

    • 4

      Position the feeder against the window of a centrally heated room, as an alternative to positioning a light source near it. Sufficient heat from the room will be transferred through the glass window pane to keep the nectar in a liquid form. Hummingbirds may need to become accustomed to these feeding sites and people should not be present at the window until the birds feel comfortable enough to approach the feeder.

    • 5

      Wrap tiny Christmas lights around the feeder, as an alternative to placing it against a window or to placing lights in the vicinity of the feeder. Place the Christmas lights in such a way that the hummingbirds can still access the nectar. Ensure that all connections are safe and waterproof.

    • 6

      Wrap paper, tape or bubble wrap around as much of the feeder as possible. These products insulate the glass tube and keep the nectar in a liquid state. Insulating the glass feeder is a good alternative to using light sources to prevent the nectar from freezing.