DEAR JOAN: I have a red headed hummingbird that sits on top of the feeder and scares away all the other birds that come to eat.
How can I make him stop or drive him away?
—Harry N., San Jose
DEAR HARRY: Your little waxwing is most likely a male Anna’s hummer. The male’s head is covered in red feathers, and the Anna’s hummingbird is a permanent resident of the Bay Area and finds our warmer winters preferable to a long migration.
I love hummingbirds. Just seeing it can instantly brighten my day, but we have to be honest here. Hummingbirds can sometimes be little jerks. Some, especially the males, are known for guarding food sources and territories. They just don’t want to share, and they can become quite aggressive in the winter when there isn’t as much food around.
That behavior is more justified when they have to scrap to survive, but less so in spring and summer, when food is not as much of a problem.
Experts have two primary methods for dealing with bullies, and both involve more work for people. You need to add feeders to your property. One method is to place the feeders close together, which gives a visual signal that there is plenty of nectar and there is no need to fight over it.
The other method is to place additional feeders out of sight of the first feeder, such as in a side yard or on the other side of the house. If you have a large garden, space them as far apart as possible. This way, Mr. Bully won’t see other birds at the feeders, or he will exhaust himself trying to guard them all.
The hummer can also figure this out itself, so you just have to be patient.
A quick reminder for those who have bird feeders of any kind: California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency due to bird flu. The statement does not cover backyard bird feeders, but if you see sick or dead birds, you should remove your feeders immediately. Otherwise, feeders need to be cleaned often. Wear gloves and masks when handling them.
DEAR JOAN: My mother-in-law wants to give my daughter a kitten for Christmas. I have no problem with her getting a kitten, but I have always heard that pets should not be given as Christmas gifts. Is this true?
– LG, Palo Alto
DEAR L.: The main issue with gifting a pet during the holidays is that most households are in chaos at this time of year, with many visitors and out-of-town trips. A new pet needs a quiet and reliable space when settling into a new home. All those activities can be stressful.
If your home is a picture of tranquility, then it shouldn’t be a problem if Grandma gives her a cat. The better idea, however, might be for your mother-in-law to pack some cat supplies, along with a promise to visit a shelter or animal shelter together to pick out a cat in the new year, when life is calmer and the Christmas holidays have begun. tree was taken down by people, not the new cat.
DEAR READERS: Just a note to thank you for allowing me into your home for another year. Bailey, the miracle Chihuahua, and I wish you a happy holiday.
Animal Life runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at [email protected].
Originally published: December 23, 2024 at 6:30 AM PST
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