With the recent cold weather across most of North and South Carolina, please keep a watch on your hummingbird feeders for hungry hummingbirds! Most hummingbird friendly plants will not provide nutrients to birds in this cold. So, any hardy hummingbirds may be on the lookout for feeders!
Our local Ruby-throated Hummingbirds occasionally stay throughout the Winter here. But sometimes Rufous Hummingbirds can be seen in central and western NC. Other species you might see are wandering Anna's, Calliope and Black-chinned. All of which have been seen in the eastern US this season! But, beware, Winter hummingbird ID is really hard! Get those binoculars out and keep an eye on your feeders!
If you see a hummingbird between December and mid-March, please let Susan Campbell know. She keeps track of any and all hummingbird reports. All are significant! These reports become a part of a winter hummingbird database. She and her colleagues at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences try to come see as many hummers as possible to check species ID and possibly band them! They have banded individuals out there, maybe one of them will stop by your feeder!
Links below have more info and an information submission form.
