The BC SPCA has issued an alert for Fairfield and the Greater Victoria region after a hummingbird with its tongue sticking out was spotted by a resident—a sign of possible infection.
According to the animal welfare and advocacy organization, infection in hummingbirds can often be caused by drinking from a dirty feeder.
BC SPCA ask that residents with feeders keep an eye on their hummingbirds and let the organization know if any of the birds also have this tongue-out condition or are displaying any other unusual behaviours, such as lingering at feeders.
Dirty feeders can reportedly spread fungus and bacteria quickly, especially when many birds share the same feeder.
One sign of an infection caused by a dirty feeder is if a hummingbird is seen with its tongue sticking out. Their tongues swell when infected and often the result is death—a sad outcome for the birds and bird lovers.
In the winter, local hummingbirds rely heavily on the goodwill of Victoria residents who have feeders out, as natural food sources like insects and nectar-bearing flowers are hard to come by.
BC SPCA says it is a big commitment to put out a feeder, but one that is worthwhile. The organization asks that those with feeders make sure they are kept clean and full.
In an effort to mitigate dirty feeders causing infection, the BC SPCA has shared a number of ways people can help keep hummingbirds happy and healthy.
Keeping feeders clean
The recommended way to clean a hummingbird feeder is to make a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water and use this to clean the feeder once per week.
Furthermore, the BC SPCA recommends changing the nectar solution once every few days.
Another issue facing hummingbirds is when they come to a feeder that’s been left empty or frozen expecting a meal.
This can lead to starvation for the birds that have come to rely on specific feeders in the community.
The organization says to ensure nectar never has ice crystals or freezes, and can be provided through the whole winter.
For those who have feeders who are going away on a winter trip, the BC SPCA asks that a friend or neighbour be left in charge of checking their feeder.
Additionally, in harsh temperatures, it is best to bring a feeder in at night to prevent freezing. This won’t disrupt the hummingbirds, so long as the feeder is put back out first thing in the morning.
Most notably, the BC SPCA says hummingbirds are most commonly injured when the feeding tube entrances get frozen.
Some initiatives the BC SPCA says they have seen work best to keep hummingbirds safe and cause the least disruption to feeder keepers are:
- Rotating feeders – buy an extra feeder, keep one inside and alternate them
- Purchase a specialty store-bought feeder heater
- Wrap the feeder in vintage incandescent Christmas lights that give off heat
- Insulate the feeder by wrapping it in a wool or fleece sock
Feeder nectar
According to the BC SPCA, hummingbird feeder nectar can be made in several ways, but they recommend the one they use at Wild ARC.
This nectar is easy and inexpensive to make. See the steps below:
- Boil water for two minutes
- Mix one part white sugar to four parts water
- Allow the mixture to cool before filling feeder
The BC SPCA says to never use honey, sweeteners, molasses, brown or raw sugar and to not add red food colouring or other products to the nectar.
White sugar is the best to use in the nectar solution as it is closest to the sugars hummingbirds find in nature.
Other types of sugars or recipes increase the risk of hummingbirds getting sick and dying.
The organizations also noted that in the winter, it is best not to change the ratio of sugar to water because adding more sugar is not healthy for these sensitive little birds.
