Waiting for Breakfast to Thaw

I had a hard time choosing which photo to blip today. The day began early as we had four appointments scheduled for today, the first at 9 am and the last at 4:30 pm. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the day began with a beautiful sunrise over the lake.

I went out to take some photos and noticed the high pitched voice of a hummingbird, no two hummingbirds, one near each of our feeders. It was then that I realized that both feeders were frozen solid.

There was a female hummer complaining bitterly on the large feeder by the window and a male with a very loud voice on the smaller feeder. Both would complain, try to get a drink, and then sit very still waiting, and then start again. I think that the quiet times they were in torpor, a sleep-like state when their metabolism slows down.

I took quite a few photos and then went in to make a small batch of nectar to put in a glass and set on the deck table for them. I hoped they would drink from it but they didn't. They buzzed it but didn't stop to take a drink. Eventually the sun did creep out and by late morning had warmed and thawed the feeders. Both birds, and several other females came to drink their fill.

I took more photos but decided I liked this one and this one the best. Hard to decide but I chose the one you see here in large because it also showed the beautiful sunrise.

I think the birds did realize I was trying to help them because later when the feeders thawed, the birds stayed close by and didn't seem frightened of me at all. This evening I took in both feeders and will return them to the deck tomorrow morning. We are going to have another hard freeze tonight.