Episode 51: Hummingbirds and Monarchs in the Winter

 

In the past several years, Anna’s hummingbird has been observed overwintering in Idaho. But what are they eating this time of year? Daniel has an answer.

Disclaimer: In the episode, Daniel mistakenly says you should keep your hummingbird feeder out year round. This is bad advice. Instead, take your feeder down in the fall as you normally would. Then, if you spot a hummingbird on or near your property during the winter, put a feeder back out. Otherwise, don’t put it out again until the spring as per usual.

Anna’s Hummingbird (via wikimedia commons)

Speaking of winter migration, unlike the Anna’s hummingbird, all monarch butterflies fly south for the winter. The monarchs we see in Idaho overwinter in California. Casey describes this impressive feat.

Monarch butterflies spending the winter in Santa Cruz, California (via wikimedia commons)

Further Reading:

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This episode aired on Radio Boise in March 2019 and featured music by Toy Zoo.

4 Comments

    1. Are you in the Boise area? I’m not sure if we mentioned where to buy it. I guess I’ll have to listen to it again myself. 🙂
      I don’t if there are local nurseries that keep it in stock, but I do know you can usually find it at the Idaho Native Plant Society plant sale in April and the Idaho Botanical Garden plant sale in May.

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