Marilyn Miller wrote:

>By the way, we have some Anna's Hummingbirds which have successfully
>weathered our winter here at the University of Victoria. I don't think they
>are spending much, if any, time at feeders, because I can find them any time
>at their own particular places, & any feeders have to be at least 1/2 mile
>away. Does anyone know what they eat in the winter if there are no feeders
>around? Marilyn Miller.

I suppose the short answer is "insects". The long answer is 'probably
"insects, sugar water and nectar". In my experience, many of the Anna's on
the UVIC campus are not far from feeders -- e.g. inside Uplands Estates, at
houses along the Mystic Vale side of campus, and along the Edgelow side,
where I know of well-used hummer feeders.

In our normal Victoria winters, however, there are surprisingly many insect
flying...tiny "white flies" (species?) being the most obvious of them. The
Anna's will dart out or up to take an insect, and will often spend much time
and considerable energy doing so. Then it's off to the feeder for a quick
fix.

As well, the Anna's in my yard (Uplands area) spend time at the quince,
japonica and a few other ornamentals that usually have inconspicuous flowers
by Jan/Feb. Presumably these produce nectar or harbour insects, or both.

Nonetheless, it seems amazing that the species is able to survive here.
The relatively short, but snowy, windy and cold spell (minus 13 C) that
we just came through should have sent them packing. However, the three at my
house stayed through...albeit with the aid of small Christmas lights wrapped
around the base of the feeder and an extra shot of sugar in the mix. They
are still here and healthy, and the male is displaying. In fact, it was on
Leap Day of 1988 that I found and documented the first of 3 nests that have
occurred in my yard. That nest already contained 2 eggs. With Leap Day
approaching, it's time to get out and look for nest building. Follow the
flight line of the female(s). You can ignore the male(s)...they have only
one duty to perform.

Bryan Gates, Victoria bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca