Here’s How You Can Help Hummingbirds in B.C. This Winter

Besides wreaking havoc on roads and pipes alike, Vancouver’s “arctic outflow” is also causing trouble for our local hummingbirds. The sugar solutions usually left out for our tiny winged friends are freezing into solid, syrupy blocks.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a warmed feeder from a local bird store. You can also find them online, but with a pretty hefty price tag.

Maybe that’s why so many locals have opted to get creative with their own DIY solutions to defrosting feeders, like this Twitter user:

Whatever you decide to do, here are a few DO’s and DON’Ts to keep in mind:

DO bring your feeder in at night and replace it in the morning to prevent freezing.

DON’T increase the sugar to water ratio to try to avoid freezing. The BC SPCA says “it’s not healthy for these sensitive little birds”.

DO consider buying multiple feeders. You can rotate through them – bring one in to defrost and replace it with a fresh one.

DON’T stop feeding them abruptly. Hummingbirds need time to find another food source.

DO try attaching a clip-on shop light, hand warmer or lights near the feeder.

DON’T forget to still clean your feeder in the winter to avoid bacteria or fungal growth.

Have fun and good luck!

For more information on keeping hummingbirds safe in the winter, you can visit https://spca.bc.ca/news/hummingbird-feeders-in-winter/