You've found the famous Dave's Garden website! Join this friendly global community that shares tips and ideas for home and gardens, along with seeds and plants!
Check out the DG homepage for a brief overview of what you'll find in this gardening mega-site.
Login
If you don't have an account yet, visit the registration page to sign up.
FYI, 'Citizen Science' Opportunity for Northern HB enthusiasts:
A number of out-of-territory Rufous and other rare species of HBs have been found at feeders in the Midwest and East in the past few years, especially during the late fall and winter. Now experts suggest that if possible HB enthusiasts keep a feeder or two up in the winter to observe for these little birds and also to report their sightings to hummingbird research sites and birding societies. If you have an interest in this and wish to keep your feeders out, here are some suggestions on how to maintain them during freezing temperatures:
(1) Keep a highly visible feeder out, but to keep the solution from freezing (usually at around 26 degrees) bring it in at night and put it out in early morning. (Of course, this won't work when temps are continuously very cold or if you forget, etc.)
(2) Mount an outdoor floodlight about 12 to 18 inches from the feeder and switch it on when the the temps get down to freezing.
(3) Affix "Plumbers Heat Tape" to your feeder and run an extension cord from it to a grounded outlet. This tape is often available with a temperature sensitive feature that will automatically turn on when a freeze is at hand. Amazon lists several sources: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Heat-AHB-019-9-Foot-Easyheat/dp/B... (This sounds like the best idea to me!)
Keep us posted if you try one of these methods. I would like to know how it's working for you!
Good luck. t.
This thread hasn't received any replies yet. This forum is accessible only to subscribing members of Dave's Garden. There are many free features here, and about half of our forums are completely open to all members. Take a tour of our site and learn more about Dave's Garden, and explore the benefits of becoming a subscribing member.
