Have you ever wondered how birds (especially the tiny ones) survive freezing temperatures? It wasn’t until our most recent long cold spell that I worried more than usual and finally did a little research. I did a Google search and found an answer quickly! All animals and birds have an amazing ability to put themselves in a type of deep sleep which reduces their metabolic rate by as much as 95%. Unlike true hibernation, however, they can do this as needed. Pretty cool, huh?! The scientific name for this phenomena is Torpor or Noctivation.  (click words for more information) Nature is truly amazing.

If you feed Hummingbirds (as I do), the most important thing to worry about is keeping their nectar from freezing. If you’re going to bring the feeder in, wait until you know for sure the birds are asleep because they will continue to feed until dark in an effort to stay warm. I left my feeders out but put little cozies on them (plan to make more efficient ones!) and this morning, I gathered them up, warmed them under hot water and then refilled with warm liquid. The Hummingbirds seemed to appreciate that 🙂