A couple of winters back, a kind resident kept a hummingbird feeder warm to keep it from freezing and a little bird stayed around into the new year - enduring temperatures south of -30C.
While the Anna's Hummingbird instinct is likely to set up an overwintering territory with good feeding, this makes a lot of sense only west of the Rockies in temperate areas. Out on the great plains, the winters are way to harsh for the teeny birds.
Post-breeding dispersal of Anna's Hummingbird is likely a natural strategy - but one that usually fails as wayward birds probably don't often find good feeding. Ornamental and hummingbird feeders change that and the bird's instinct may be to set up a territory.
Every August we see a couple post-breeding individuals (usually immature males) show up in backyard on the 'wrong side' east side of the Rockies. They find bird feeders and ornamental flowers in cities like Calgary🇨🇦 and they settle in.
Anna's Hummingbirds are a large species of hummer that typically lives pretty much year round in the temperate zone ofNW North America. But over the last 10 years, we've been noticing something going on with them here on the east side of the Rockies.
Earlier this week, Episode 22 of my 'Birds of Alberta' podcast featuring the Snow Goose was dropped. Check it out on your fave player. linktr.ee/birdsofalberta
Red Foxes are extremely widespread and while they share a common body plan, but when you look carefully they often have unique markings. The amount of black&white varies around the muzzle, throat, tail - this makes our individual encounters stand out!
Pretty good bear day for early season. Three different bears, one active and walking around and two sleeping. The bears are looking good!
Thanks Tim - looks very welcoming with many familiar folows!