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![]() Over 2 months ago our last hummingbird gave us a farewell and headed for the tropics. Days and weeks following, a steady flow of migrant birds continued through our yards in the North and also made their way to a Southern location that many have never been before. Young birds of all species made that flight south, not knowing what lay ahead. Mystery or excitement, who knows what goes through the mind of a little bird, but their calling is common throughout the bird world. Then you get the rare ones. Some times in nature you get a real anomaly which is impossible to explain, but there's always a fraction of a percentage of birds that don't get the memo, or simply follow their rebellious side and reject instinct. 3 months back, a Rufous hummingbird showed up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the same city as I'm located. He was a young male, initially hard to identify. He made himself comfortable in an area of Edmonton, where he found a couple homes that provided him a regular supply of nectar. These homes were a few blocks apart from each other, but this Rufous kept both options available. He made the trip frequently between locations, always making sure his food sources remained. Today, November 7, 2018, and even the last Canada geese are calling it quits, and leaving our snow covered fields for a place less white. But what remains is one lone Rufous, now dressed up in more mature colors. He has remained too long, to the point where leaving now would probably be fatal. No food sources remain for hundreds of miles south of him, so his choice to leave is no longer an option. I was contacted by a gentleman who has persistently kept up with changing feeders, and created a system to keep the feeder from freezing, as temperatures have been -10 to -15 Celsius over several nights, and remaining well below zero each day. Protein supplements have been added to make sure he gets his requirements. This isn't an environment for any hummingbird, not just because of the temperatures, but for the complete absence of food, other than the nectar being provided. Here's where I'm asking for a few suggestions to anyone who has an idea of how to help out. I will pass on the information to the family in need. You can leave comments on my facebook post or on this blog site. Thank you in advance!
7 Comments
Toni
11/7/2018 06:51:11 pm
Have you tried to contact a rehabber for advice? If you are on Facebook can you post to the group Hummingbird Whisperer? There are many experienced people and rehabbers there that can advise
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michael
11/7/2018 10:25:38 pm
Thanks Toni! The Hummingbird Whisperer site has been suggested to the individual.
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11/7/2018 09:03:31 pm
Heated nectar is great but they can't live on nectar alone. They must have protein to live. With the temperatures of winter there, and the lack of protein, this little one doesn't have much of a chance. A licensed rehabber that cares for hummingbirds could over-winter the bird. They would know the proper nectar ratio and have the vital protein diet it must have to live. Only a licensed rehabber can legally keep a wild bird. I would find one quickly. They can give you a great deal more information as well as help in safely capturing this bird.
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11/7/2018 09:13:54 pm
I neglected to mention I am one of the moderators of The Hummingbird Whisperer group on Facebook, mentioned above. I also write educational posts for the group. We have several rehabbers in the group that are excellent help as well as the Animal Help Now website. They provide lists of rehabbers all over the country. I don't think they have lists for Canada but they may be of help. We would sure be glad to try to help you with ways to find a rehabber. The founder and admin for our group is Lisa Meyers Swanson. The other moderator is Sharon L Nordberg. Let us know if we can help.
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michael
11/7/2018 10:27:11 pm
Thanks Jan! I have recommended him check out the Hummingbird Whisperer for helpful information.
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11/8/2018 11:44:17 am
I found a link to rehabbers in Canada. Canada Wildlife Rehabilitators. wildlife.rescueshelter.com/ca
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11/8/2018 06:01:49 am
Someone posted a link to your blog. I live in Chilliwack B.C. where we Anna's hummingbirds are resident all year round. Our winters are usually not severe, but we definitely get our share of cold temperatures (minus 10 to 15 C) and blustery winds (even ice storms) in December & January. I have two heat lamps rigged up on a pole so that they shine down on the feeder and also provide warmth to my hummingbirds when they are feeding. My heart goes out to you and your little visitor. I am originally from Alberta and have lived in Edmonton, so I know it can indeed get cold. I think the suggestion to contact a rehabber is a good one.
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