The Dereila Nature Inn - a cyber nature centre for nature lovers
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Protecting Your Hummingbird Feeders
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Although most hummingbirds migrate to warmer areas during the winter, in several parts of North America some species still battle cold winter weather.
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Anna's Hummingbird at a feeder in the winter
When the temperatures dip and the snows fly it's time to help out these delightful visitors who have come to rely on hummingbird feeders as a major source of food and energy.
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A plastic dish provides protection  
Protecting the feeder also helps protect the bird and is a simple project.

A small plastic saucer used under flower pots and easily available at garden centres works really well.

Make small hole in the centre of the dish and then insert the hanger for the feeder and re-hang the feeder.
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A plastic dish provides protection
Make small hole in the centre of the dish and then insert the hanger for the feeder and re-hang the feeder.
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Feeder in the snow  
With the protecting dish in place snow is kept off the feeder and the feeding holes that the hummingbirds use.

Be sure the sugar water in the feeder isn't frozen. It's a good idea to have a couple of feeders - one that's kept inside and warm which can be quickly swapped with the one that's outside should it become frozen.
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A female Anna's Hummingbird, Calypte anna, takes advantage of the food source on a snowy day.

To make your own nectar as rule of thumb is to dissolve sugar into hot water at a rate of 1 cup of sugar to 3 cups of water.

Be sure to let the mixture cool down before filling the feeder.
  Female Anna's Hummingbird at the feeder
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Male Anna's Hummingbird
The male Anna's Hummingbird seems to be very happy with his dinner! Remember to wash out the feeders frequently.
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Male Anna's Hummingbird
These amazing creatures will surely appreciate and benefit from a device that is simple to make with something that is easily available.

Hopefully they'll thank you by posing for some pictures.
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