KINGFISHER CLUB
Hummingbird nest at Maplewood Flats. Notice the lichens (on the outside). Photos by Rob Alexander
Winter Hummers BY AL AND JUDE GRASS
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quick check of the bird checklist for the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats lists three hummingbird species that have been seen at the sanctuary - Calliope, Rufous and Anna’s. The Rufous winters in Mexico, and we see it here only in spring and summer. Calliope (Canada’s smallest bird) is rarely seen at Maplewood, but again in spring or summer. Anna’s, on the other hand, is seen at the Sanctuary year round. In the local area (Greater Vancouver) we are seeing more Anna’s all the time. One reason, it is thought that folks are putting up more Hummingbird feeders. Feeders are filled with nectar made from one part white table sugar
and four parts of water. Now there are heated Hummingbird feeders to prevent freezing. Also, it is surprising how many plants bloom in cooler weather, and some of these, like Berberis (Oregan grape), are popular with Hummers. Anna’s also nest in cooler months. The nest is made of animal fur, small feathers and lichens. Lichens are thought to camouflage (hide) the nest and may also help to shed moisture. When the weather gets really cold, Anna’s can go into a sort of temporary hibernation called torpor. In this way the Hummingbird saves energy. By the way, nectar is not only what Hummingbirds feed on - they also seek spiders and insects for protein (to build
muscle). Spider silk is also used to hold the nest together - it’s wonderful. Did you know that Anna’s can “sing” - it’s true! If you see them “fighting” don’t worry, it is natural. I heard that Hummingbirds “hum”, because they can’t remember the words! Enjoy the birds.
Discover Autumn at Maplewood Autumn, of fall as the season is often called, has many wonderful things to discover outdoors as summer has slowly come to an end and the days are getting shorter - i.e. evening comes earlier and it ‘seems’ to come faster! The season is called ‘fall’ beaseuse leaves having turned colour are floating WINGSPAN FALL/WINTER 2019
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