Thanks for the info, yet another example  of why these creatures
are so fascinating.

At 07:54 PM 12/18/2004, you wrote:
>Pat
>
>On at least two occasions Selasphorus hummingbirds have over wintered in 
>our region, although they generally they leave around January 15.  They 
>are hearty little birds but need to eat well at least once per day when it 
>is real cold.  Black-chinned and Ruby-throated don't do as well in colder 
>weather.  That's why they migrate early.
>
>All hummingbirds slow there heart rate down to conserve fat when sleeping. 
>Many hummingbirds live at high elevations and have evolved to tolerate 
>cold weather.
>
>It is important to make sure the feeder stays liquid.  You can wrap it in 
>a heating pad or put a light bulb near it.  Take it in at night during 
>cold weather (below 20 F) since the bird is sleeping anyway.  If it 
>freezes during the day, put out another feeder.  Increase the sugar 
>content for winter feeding also to two to one if real cold.
>
>Mary Gustafson can tell you (us) much more about hummingbirds and cold 
>weather.
>
>George

--Pat

Pat Valdata, Elkton, MD | 
"The natural function of the wing is to soar upwards
and carry that which is heavy up to the place where dwells the race of gods.
More than any other thing that pertains to the body
it partakes of the nature of the divine." --Plato