Q Should I take down the suet feeder now that warm weather is here?
A It depends. If you feed raw suet from a meat counter, then, yes, now's a good time to stop feeding. Raw suet, which melts in the heat, may drip onto birds and impair their ability to stay clean and dry. However, if you're setting out rendered suet in the form of suet cakes, then it's fine to continue feeding even during summer. Once suet is rendered it holds together and won't harm birds. Many parent birds appreciate the quick, high-energy snack that suet provides as they rush around trying to keep their nestlings fed.
Hummers beat blooms Q I had hummingbirds in my yard this spring, well before any flowers were in bloom. Why do they come back so early if there's no natural nectar for them?
A The males are in such a rush to stake out a summer territory that they often arrive before flowers are blooming here in Minnesota. Until the flowers do bloom, the birds survive on insects (which provide a source of protein) and tree sap (which mimics flower nectar).
Because their beaks aren't strong enough to drill into tree bark, hummingbirds follow yellow-bellied sapsuckers around. Once the sapsuckers have drilled out sap wells and the slightly sweet syrup is flowering, hummingbirds fly in for a sip. They also eat the tiny insects attracted by the sap. Despite their small size, hummingbirds will even drive the sapsuckers away so they can dine solo.
Jim Williams can be reached by email at two-jays@att.net.Val Cunningham can be reached at valwrites@comcast.net. Join the conversation about birds at www.startribune.com/wingnut.
