A recent observation relayed to me by a Surrey couple of a male Anna's
Hummingbird apparently feeding at a suet feeder prompts me to ask Tweeters if
they have noted similar events. This occurred during our recent December
cold spell.

Although I have up to 4 Anna's at my sugar feeder all winter, I can't recall
any interest shown by them in the nearby suet feeder (raw, unrendered beef
fat). Wayne Campbell of Victoria does recall an incident when, again during
a cold spell, one of his Anna's fed at a store-bought ball of rendered suet/
seed mix.

With fewer insects flying during cold spells, it is logical that some fat
could supplement the normal diet and provide some much-needed extra calories.
But it may also be that small insects are on the suet and thus attract the
hummers.

Any thoughts?

Bryan Gates, Victoria bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca
Victoria Rare Bird Alert (604) 592-3381

"If the black box always survives, why don't they make the whole plane a
black box?" (My daughter)