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Not all hummingbirds migrate. Anna's often stay year round, even in the snow. Some stay because they are too old or weak to migrate, or they have found a good spot and don't want to leave. (I have about 10 of those in my yard now. 
Mother hummingbirds will often build nests very close to humans. They like to build on twinkle lights, wind chimes, and flimsy branches. I believe they think that humans are less threatening than crows, squirrels, and cats. The flimsy branches they choose will not support a larger bird or mammal, therefore the babies are safer.
Unfortunately, momma doesn't take into account what is below her nest. When the littles fledge, they fly a short distance, then go to the ground, or low branches. But only if there are low branches. If mom builds the nest over a pool or dog run, the fledglings are in peril. They fledge at about 21 days of age, so hummer lovers have been known to keep their pools covered, and their dogs in another part of the yard, just for a few days, to be sure the babies get a chance to develop their muscles to sustain flight. Buying some large bushes in pots and putting them around the yard, near the nest, can also help the fledglings hide while they practice flying from bush to bush. 
Nestlings in nest just outside front door
Cats catch and kill or maim hummingbirds.
"They are too fast for my cat to catch". INCORRECT! Hummingbirds fly low to the ground to eat from flowers and to catch bugs. They are concentrating on the food and don't notice kitty stalking them. Cats will also sit on the fence near a feeder, then jump and catch the hummingbird who is perched on the feeder. Sometimes a hummingbird is stunned from hitting a window or from being attacked by another bird and lands on the ground while it recovers a moment. A very easy target for kitty. Additionally, all young birds who have recently fledged, end up on the ground and in low branches for up to two weeks. They cry when they are hungry and the mother comes down to feed them. That makes both of them easy prey for the cat. PLEASE KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS!! IF YOU MUST HAVE IT OUTSIDE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, REMOVE YOUR FEEDERS. SEEING A FEEDER TELLS THE BIRDS THEY ARE WELCOME, BUT INSTEAD THEY ARE BEING ATTRACTED TO A VERY UNSAFE AREA. And don't get me started on Trap, neuter, return. An awful program for all wildlife and for the poor cats. abcbirds.org/program/cats-indoors/trap-neuter-release/ I like cats and no pet should be left outside in the cold to fend for itself. They are domestic pets (non-native), with strong kill instincts. We should protect them and protect our wildlife. If you don't believe me, I'll be happy to post pictures of the hundreds of hummingbirds that I have had to euthanize due to mortal injuries inflicted by cats. Here is just one..... 
This once beautiful active adult was kept by the finders for 2 days after their indoor/outdoor cat caught it and brought it to them. They kept it warm and fed it sugar water. It had multiple fractures and was missing an eye. I humanely euthanized it.
Hummingbirds are protected by State and Federal laws. Unless you have permits, it is illegal to possess a hummingbird for more than 48 hours (this is while you find a rehabber) and it is definitely illegal to keep them to try to rehabilitate them and release them, or to make them pets. It is punishable by steep fines. (Migratory Bird Treaty Act).
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Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center
21900 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Bch, CA 92646 714 374 5587 |
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