Unique Birdhouse Boutique

Wild bird migrations are one of those pretty amazing feats of nature. Instinct is so keen, it’s what keeps birds alive. Hummingbirds don’t begin their long journey just because the temperatures start to drop. It is the dwindling hours of daylight that signals them it’s time to go.

Many Ruby Throats are mobbing feeders right now, furiously drinking as much as they can in preparation for the long trip to South and Central America. How these tiny birds manage to fly so far is beyond me? The other pretty amazing thing is that hummingbirds practice site fidelity. Which means if they find a friendly yard with food, shelter and moving water, you can bet they’ll be back next season.

The show at our window hummingbird feeder right now is spectacular! There’s hardly a moment throughout the day where it’s not occupied. Constant feeding (and fighting) has been going on for a about two weeks. If you have nectar feeders, especially a window hummingbird feeder, be sure to keep it filled with fresh nectar for the next few weeks. Even if you think your hummers have left for the season, many that are traveling from further north of you are likely to stop by and fuel up! Be on the lookout for the occasional flying jewel, your efforts will be well rewarded.

Hummingbirds are feeding like crazy right now, fattening up and getting ready for the big migration back to their wintering grounds in Central and South America. Feeders seem busier than ever with almost frantic activity at our place.

Because of the heat, sugar water is changed every two days, so filling the larger hummingbird feeders is almost pointless. Eighty pounds of sugar were used to feed our local hummer population this season…and that’s a lot of nectar!

If you don’t make your own nectar-give it a try before the season’s over. Hummingbirds really seem to prefer the simple sugar water solution, and it saves money too.

The recipe: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water…that’s it! No red dye necessary. Use plain white table sugar and nothing else as it will harm hummers. You don’t even need to boil the water as microorganisms and bacteria are actually spread through the bird’s beaks on the feeder ports. We boil 1 cup of water, simply to help dissolve the sugar more effectively. And contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds will not “stay” if you leave feeders up – Mother Nature tells them when it’s time to go!

Aside from opportunities for great close up views and observation by humans, window feeders provide the same for indoor kittys. A believer that cats shouldn’t roam in yards to hunt wildlife, mine are indoor only, with a nice screened deck that’s “outside” for them.

The bird feeders, squirrel feeders and baths are really entertaining for them, they sit and watch for hours, sometimes getting a little vocal about their sightings. Today I visited a lady who’s rescued many a cat from shelters, vets’ offices, and parking lots. It was the most wonderful setup I’d ever seen. These cats had tunnels, cat walks, cat trees, and windows with shelves to sun, with many spots for access to contained outdoor areas. Outside, one was even hunting crickets, you wouldn’t think he even knew he was in a pen. Fresh air, grass beneath their feet, and nature right there with them.

In one of the many rooms, was a cat tree in front of a bay window. A window hummingbird feeder was providing nectar for several hungry hummers. Flitting and darting about they didn’t even notice, or seem to mind the big fat cat who was observing. It was really a cool site, and such a great idea. To feed the birds, and keep them safe from predators, while still entertaining the cats!

After switching from commercial nectar to the plain sugar-water solution, we’ve seen three times as many hummingbirds as before. For some reason, they seem to prefer the home made version with no additives better than packaged nectar products.

Sometimes you have to look closely to see the liquid level in the clear glass hummingbird feeders, and folks always say “shouldn’t it be red?” but the hummingbirds just know. Even though the the glass and the nectar are clear in color, hummingbirds flock to these feeders now. Four feeders are emptied almost daily, and it’s always a site to behold… for sure!

Making your own nectar is so simple too. One cup plain table sugar to four cups of water – that’s it. No need to boil the water, but it does help to dissolve the sugar quicker and more thoroughly. Any microorganisms are actually spread by hummers themselves, as they are carried on their bills. Never use anything but pure cane sugar (white table sugar) as it’s harmful to the birds and may be fatal.

The other great hummingbird enticer is leaf misters. They love to flit back and forth in the gentle mist. Any moving water will attract hummingbirds, especially a fountain added to your birdbath.

Try your own nectar and notice the difference in hummingbird activity at your place…Happy Birding!

To protect your hummingbird-or any nectar feeder from ant hassles, the use of ant moats is strongly recommended. For the newer staked versions of hummingbird feeders, the ant baffle was invented. Essentially, it’s an upside down ant moat.

Instead of holding water to prevent ants’ crossing, the baffle requires a coat of petroleum jelly on the underside. This works the same way as far as preventing the ants from getting to nectar.

If you’ve ever encountered problems with ants at nectar feeders…well, once is enough! Ant moats like these by Parasol, are a one-time, relatively inexpensive solution to this nasty problem.

For those who enjoy watching the “flying jewels” feed close up, check out this great video produced by Parasol.

It’s a known fact that hummingbirds practice site fidelity – if they find great accommodations, there’s a very good chance they’ll return the following season. If you love watching the tiny sprites and have  window hummingbird feeders or hanging ones, there’s a couple more things you can offer to accommodate more hummingbirds, and keep them coming back.

They love water, and if it’s moving water – even better! Birdbath accessories like fountains and drippers act like a magnet for hummingbirds. I think the leaf misters might just be their favorite. The way they dance, back and forth to play and bathe in the fine mist is mesmerizing. I could sit and observe for hours if there were time. We have two misters, one is upright, staked in the ground, wrapped around a simple green plant stake with a twistie to hold the nozzle in place. The other is up higher, and more horizontal, off the front porch railing, attached to a metal bracket. They really love these things!

Another wonderful accessory (actually endorsed by The Hummingbird Society) is Hummer Helper Nesting Material. It’s a kit with a hanging, red flat basket, and nest material. Goldfinches use this material as well to build their nests. The good thing with the kit is that refills are also sold separately. Our kit saw a lot of activity last season, but I never could figure out where the nests were?

Try it and see for yourself!

The advantage to any window bird feeder is the close up view. Right from the comfort of sitting at your breakfast room table, sipping morning coffee (or guzzling in a frantic rush like most) wonderful bird behaviors are seamlessly incorporated into your day. Window feeders come in just about every kind and style, from platforms, and suet feeders, to tube style and hummingbird feeders.

What if you just wanted that feeder a few feet further, or didn’t really prefer it slap right on the window? This stylish window hummingbird feeder actually can be attached to a deck rail as well. It’s the perfect window hummingbird feeder…not on the window itself!

Other excellent hummingbird attractors include moving water and nesting material. Hummer Helper Nest Material has actually been endorsed by The Hummingbird Society as helpful for hummingbirds nesting process. Nectar producing flowers are always a sure bet, and brighten up any landscape. Window hummingbird feeders make great and long lasting gifts, that will be used again and again, to provide nourishment for hummers and entertainment for hosts.

The all-important ant moat!

If you’ve ever seen pesky ants crawling along your hummingbird feeder, or swimming (drowning) in the nectar, this is the solution. An ant moat really works at keeping ants off and out of your hummingbird feeder. The only, simple requirement is that the moat be kept filled with water. Moat…water…get it? Ants can’t swim, so there’s absolutely no way for them to touch the feeder.

If bees or wasps are a problem, look for a hummingbird feeder with wasp-proof ports. Thee are usually raised, which makes it harder for the wicked pests to enter. They eventually give up.

To attract hummingbirds, a fresh water source always helps. Preferably something that is moving, like a birdbath fountain, or bubbler. Leaf misters are adored by hummingbirds and butterflies, and you can bet they’ll be back everyday to play and bathe in the fine mist they produce.

It’s time…the migration has begun!

Hummingbirds have got to be one of the most anticipated of all migratory birds. Their antics at feeders is entrancing, I could watch for hours. The migration from Central and South America has begun, and the first birds should start appearing in the Southwest and Southern states in a few weeks. This is an exciting time for many backyard birding enthusiasts.

It’s time then to get hummingbird feeders ready for action, by making sure they’re clean, filled with fresh nectar, and in an obvious place where hummers can see them, you’ll start seeing these flying jewels in no time.

Hummingbirds also love water…moving water that is. Whether a birdbath fountain, leaf mister, or bubbler, you can bet that moving water attracts them and keeps them coming back daily.

The quick and easy nectar recipe: 4 parts water to 1 part plain table sugar.

Never substitute anything for white cane sugar as it will harm hummingbirds. It’s not even necessary to boil the water, but it helps to dissolve the sugar quickly and effectively. Store unused nectar in the fridge, and change old nectar in feeders at least twice a week. Nectar will stay fresher longer if hung in the shade too.