WEST SEATTLE SNOW: Scenes from Day 5, plus more snowbirds

Was Christmas really just five days ago? Rene‘s photo is from The Admiral District, on this fifth snow-blanketed night since the holiday. Lots of snow fun still happening – Stephanie sent this photo of a West Seattle igloo and the crew that built it:

Kim sent video of Georgie‘s sled ride on 51st Place SW:

Looking across the bay from Alki, Gene Pavola captured a state ferry in the shortlived sun glare, with the snowy roofs of Magnolia beyond it:

Not far away, Gary Jones caught a juvenile Bald Eagle high above it all:

Jerry Simmons found a hummingbird trying to stay warm:

And Deb Haller in North Admiral rigged up a shop lamp “to keep the hummingbird nectar warm. It’s been on all week and working great. The birds sit and warm themselves too!”

One chilly snowbird pic – Mark in Arbor Heights photographed this Ruby-crowned Kinglet as it scavenged around in the snow:

Thanks again for all the photos and info … community collaboration is particularly vital in times like these. Year-round, in sun or snow, day or night, you can reach us at 206-293-6302 (text or voice) and westseattleblog@gmail.com.

Gregory Kerton December 31, 2021 (12:33 am)

My Father’s squadron flew over the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of Vietnam. His Squadron changed and is still based on Whidbey Island.. My Father is a Naval Aviator. He is not on this blog. He spent Christmas with us. It has been 2 years. Glad to finally hug that man. We are being very careful. He served honorably during Vietnam, Bosnia Herzegovina, and Desert Storm. His kidneys have failed, a few years ago. He now requires kidney dialysis three times per week. Please protect my Father. He got the polio shot, for you, as a child. Now, he is highly susceptible to the pandemic. I might move him out of Pierce County, and into our house in Upper Fauntleroy. I Respectfully ask for my neighbors help. Please Vaccinate, please focus on the elders. I want another Christmas with my Father. If I can help you, in turn, I give you my word that I will do my level best. Thank You.

Christina December 31, 2021 (1:06 am)

FYI we found not one but 2 hummingbirds in the snow in the early evening (one on deck below a feeder and one 1 floor down in the yard) as I was bringing in the feeders for the night. Luckily we saw them and were able to gently get them inside, feed them feeder solution and tucked them in a safe/soft/ventilated container before we will release them in the am. One had its wings sort of stuck open for a bit, but they both seemed better after some warmth and liquid. They have fluttered a little but otherwise seem still and okay. We only held them after picking them up to give them sugar solution. I never would have thought to be looking for this so if you have feeders for hummingbirds be on the lookout below—sure is cold for tiny cuties.

Longingforsummer December 31, 2021 (8:28 am)

Thank You Christina for savings these little guys; also Deb Haller for keeping the food thawed! Jerry Simmons, your photo is beautiful. Could be next year’s Christmas card. Gorgeous…

waikikigirl December 31, 2021 (11:06 am)

Thank you Christina for saving those 2 little ones! If possible could you let us know how they did thru the night and if you were successful on setting them free this today?We hooked up an infrared heat lamp next to our feeders so far so good.

Christina December 31, 2021 (11:49 am)

The birds were quiet and peaceful and when we brought them outside to release them, they flew away and seemed great! Zoomed across the street like normal. Curious what others do to help our little sweeties winter or otherwise. I know I see plenty of bickering amongst the feeders (so I’m getting more) but are there other things we can do?I did read that you should up the sugar mixture to 3:1 from 4:1 for the winter and that drastically cut down on the freezing for our feeders (but we’re still bringing them in at night for now).

waikikigirl December 31, 2021 (2:31 pm)

I heard not to change the ratio because it’s bad for them (organs) to do so. Like I posted earlier we set up an infrared heat lamp while the feeders are out and also like you we bring them in at dusk which we did right after the pic was taken and back out with the heater at dawn. When we first put the heater out they flew up took a look and then settled down on the feeder and the tomato cage that’s sitting their and they also stopped chasing each other off. AGAIN you are a good person to take care of them like that!
waikikigirl December 31, 2021 (2:41 pm)

Here’s an article on not to change the syrup ratio:
- Do NOT adjust the mix! Keep the mix at 1:4 ratio sugar to water. Nectar concentrations vary greatly among a variety of plants hummingbirds visit, but they are typically low in sugar. Recipes with a higher concentration of sugar do not necessarily benefit hummingbirds because it cannot travel up the grooves of their tongue easily. The excess sugar may also damage kidneys and liver. Though increasing the sugar may help to prevent freezing, our experts recommend staying consistent with a 1:4 mix of white sugar and water only. No honey, brown sugar, maple syrup or red dye is recommended. Pure sucrose is what they need to survive. A simple recipe of 1 part sugar and 4 parts water, mixed in a pan, brought to a boil, and then removed from heat and cooled is all that’s necessary for the birds. You may store extra in the fridge up to two weeks. Clean feeders once a week during cold weather and more often during warmer weather.