Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Summoned by the Hummingbirds
I have two hummingbird feeders in my backyard, that I keep filled year-round for the Anna’s who live here. The first two pictures below are from the summer.
But the past few years, I’ve added an extra feeder to the front yard in the winter, to make sure there’s enough food for all when the weather turns frigid.
Earlier this week, I saw a hummingbird hovering around the maple tree in front where I had not yet hung the extra one, willing me to see him. I finally did and hung the feeder.
By the next day it was in use, and I had a front row seat from my office window.
Yesterday there were two at the same time – look closely and you’ll see one waiting on the wing. They’re known to be territorial, but it was civil.
They often perch in the tree before dropping down to eat and I enjoy watching them there, too.
Today, while standing at my window, one came over and looked in, to say hello and thank me for my efforts.
I was charmed, as always, by these adorable and intelligent birds.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
Beautiful!! How do you keep the feeders from freezing? I’ve seen mine get a little bit frozen then thaw since the cold doesn’t last long at all from overnight.
Once the bad weather hits, I have to monitor them and rotate. I try to remember to bring them in at night to thaw and return them in the morning.
Oh, okay, thanks Susanne. It seems like nectar water would freeze as fast as regular water. If I tried this back home in Michigan, the water would probably be frozen and burst my glass feeders. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 😊
Thanks, John. You too! 🙂
🙏🏻😊
Aww, I love seeing the Anna’s, Susanne! We had them year round in Sacramento too. Here we’re lucky to see them April – September. Beautiful photos of them enjoying the feeders!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Terri! I loved how they let me know it was time to put the extra feeder up in front, and then thanked me for it! Happy Thanksgiving to you! 🍗🥧😊
Their cold hardiness amazes me!
They seem to do fine here in the Northwest. Hopefully we won’t have too bad of a winter.
Ours left at the end of August. I miss them.
Our Anna’s stay year-round, for which I am grateful.
They’re fun birds to watch. In Port Townsend, our cat used to stare at them with a ‘What the heck?’ expression. He never bothered them and never figured out how they did what they did!
I’ve seen them hover and drop down to take a look at our cats, too, and neither seem bothered.
Such pretty birds, and that pink is amazing!
Thanks, Sarah. I’m always impressed by their color!
I love how the bird reminded you where to hang the feeder. They are delightful to have on your property.
Best wishes, Pete.
It was amazing to me, but I knew they were telling me it was time to put up the feeder, and then swung by my window to thank me for it!
🧡
Hummingbirds are so lovely and beautiful. I wish we had them here in my country to see their vibrant colors and graceful movements up close!
They are beautiful indeed, and so fun to watch! 🙂
Those birds are absolutely stunning!
Yes, I love them! 😍
Lovely!
I always love your hummer pictures! I have had one and, on occasion, two hummers at my feeder. I had to take down my heated feeder and put my summer one back up because the top came off the heated one. But I have a replacement part on the way so hopefully the food will not freeze before it gets here.
Thank you! 😊 Are you in Yakima? I didn’t realize the hummingbirds stuck around there in the winter.
Yes, I’m in Yakima and we do have a few Anna’s who overwinter here (hearty souls!). I have had one coming every day for a few weeks now.