Thanks, RL. I wasn’t going to take the heated feeder down this year. My goodness, no. I was Just wondering about having one long-term, year-after-year. Wondering about the science behind it and whether or not I am doing more harm than good by having one up in the winter.
As for the seed, I live in the North End. Thanks for your recommendations and your thoughts.
Keep that heated hummer feeder out and lit. The little critter has decided to winter over in SE Boise this year and is here for the duration of the season regardless of what you or I may do. I have an acquaintance over in the Pierce Park area who, when he found he had an Anna’s, went out and bought a heated feeder. The bird now uses it a place to help stay warm at times. Reminds me, I need to call him to see how he’s getting on on his with his bird.
For other seed requirements, have you tried Zamzow’s up on Federal Way/Bergeson? Assuming you live in SE Boise it’s closer than the Overland D&B.
Tom M., I’m happy to share the siskins. When I lived in Sandpoint, I got to name my road. I had heaps of Siskins, there, too, so I named it Siskin Lane. That was fun.
Glad you gave up counting. I tried to come up with a few strategies to get a decent count, but it was impossible. They were flying everywhere. It was like La Guardia!
Ha! D and B Supply love me, usually on Boise Ave., but they were out yesterday so I braved the roads and hit the Overland store. I use sunflower hearts in the 18 lb. bags despite the expense of it all because there’s not as much mess. Usually I apply the seed sparingly on the ground and reserve the rest for the squirrel-proof feeders, except over the past few days with all the snow, I threw down an abundance to help them out. I also put out dove and quail food for the two dove species. Saw only one American Goldfinch in the gathering this a.m., but no lessers. Lots of juncos, chickadees, and house finches, of course. Downy’s on the suet. One Anna’s Hummingbird at my heated feeder. I got up in the middle of the night to replace the frozen (heated) feeder. My reward for this, a screech owl calling, and Ursa Major overhead. The immature male made it through those cold nights. Amazing.
By the way, I’d like to hear people’s opinions about a heated feeder for the Anna’s. It has always been an easy thing and I thought I was helping them out, but by doing so, am I compromising this species? After this cold snap, I’m rethinking this. Would love input.
