B.C. rescue group receives dozens of hummingbirds amid cold snap

Bitterly cold temperatures in southern British Columbia have prompted a "dramatic increase" in the number of hummingbird admissions to the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC.

The association says 33 hummingbirds were admitted last weekend alone with injuries caused by the cold.

It says hummingbirds are often brought in for care because of low blood sugar or with damaged tongues because they get stuck to metal parts of feeders in the cold.

Jackie McQuillan, the association's support centre manager, says sometimes the damage is too severe for the bird to survive in the wild.

She says those dedicated to feeding hummingbirds need to ensure they can keep their feeders thawed, that they are clean to prevent disease and that they're made of plastic instead of metal to prevent injuries.

Unlike other species, Anna's hummingbirds reside in southern B.C. year-round.

The association says it typically also sees an increase in intakes of varied thrushes and songbirds on such cold days.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2024.