Hummingbird still here

17 years ago

I caught a hummingbird two weeks ago that it's beak stuck through a little round piece of plastic, about the size of a pepper corn. The little hummer could not open it's beak but could stick it's tongue out. It could drink but not very well since it couldn't get far enough into the tiny holes of the feeder. Once caught, I removed the plastic and let the hummer go.

I figured it would stay around to fatten up before leaving but it is still here. I live in central MN. So far our temps have gotten down to 32 at night so no hard frost yet. Will this little one leave before it's too late or should I take down the feeders to encourage it to leave? I have seen two hummers passing through, the last was on the 13th of Oct. Does anyone else this far north still have hummers? I worry that the hummer will wait too long and won't have anything to eat on it's trip south. thank you

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Comments (5)

hummersteve
17 years ago
I dont fully understand what has happened with the hummer, but it is accepted that you should leave the feeders up for about a month or so after you have seen your last hummer for any migraters that may pass thru so they can get some needed energy on their way south. Leaving feeders up will not keep them here, only ones that are sick or not fattened up enough will hang around, therefore the reason for leaving fresh sugar water for them.
sheilaswan
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks Steve, I can see now that my message wasn't very clear. The hummer had some how got it's beak through the middle of a tiny round piece of plastic which kept it from opening it's mouth or easily getting into the feeders with small drinking holes. Once I caught the hummer and removed the plastic, the bird seems to be fine. That was two weeks ago and he's still here. In those two weeks I've seen two different hummers come through but both only stay for one day before moving on. I just never knew that hummers stayed so late this far north. Maybe he wasn't getting enough nutrition with the plastic on his beak and needs this time to fatten up for his long journey. I worry that this little one won't leave in time. Thanks for the info.
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hummersteve
17 years ago
Sheila--- Sounds late in the season to me too to have them up north but you have them and Im glad the little one is hanging around and able to drink , at least he has a chance. If it doesnt feel strong enough it most likely wont leave, but I wouldnt worry about it, its natures way. If he leaves I would have a very good feeling about that.
ltlhbgrl
17 years ago
I've been thinking of taking my feeders down, having not seen a bird for a few weeks. But, knowing you still have one, I may just leave them up! Send him my way!!
sheilaswan
Original Author
17 years ago
I am happy to say that the little hummer left the area on the 21 of October. Hopefully it's well on it's way south and finding lots of food on it's journey. It was such a thrill to help the little hummer out. There was an article in the Minneapolis paper this week that said most of our hummers have left but we should leave the feeders up since there still could be some coming through. The article said to leave the feeders up until they freeze and don't unthaw during the day. I never imagined that hummers stayed this late in the year. I learn something new all the time. Thanks for your comments and information.