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Time to Dust Off those hummingbird feeders
The great hummingbird migration has begun!Now is the time to get your hummingbird feeders out from storage and give them a good cleaning for the upcoming season. Plain hot water works, even if you send them through the dishwater, be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any residue. Along the Gulf of Mexico, Ruby Throats have started to claim territories, with other species following close behind.
Hummingbird season is an exciting one for many backyard birders, as these little sprites tend to provide some mesmerizing entertainment. Many folks could just sit and watch hummingbirds’ shenanigans for hours on end. Aside from the sugar water in hummingbird feeders, moving water is a very big attraction for them. Bathing, drinking and playing in birdbath fountains or bubblers comes naturally for hummers – they’re drawn to it like a magnet.
If you’re looking to attract more hummers, but already have enough hummingbird feeders, consider adding moving water to your landscape. Leaf misters for instance, are wildly popular among hummingbirds and butterflies as well. In the scolding heat of summer, the gentle mist is a most welcomed addition for many local wildlife species. Leaf misters may be installed in a variety of fashions. Ours stands upright in the garden twisted around a simple plant stake.Treat your hummingbirds to a fun water feature this season and you’ll be rewarded by increased numbers and some fascinating activity and behaviors from the little guys!
Oh yeah… maybe this is the season to try making your own nectar too. It’s really quite simple and only takes a few minutes. Here’s the recipe: one part plain table sugar (cane) to four parts water. That’s it! Never use anything other than pure cane sugar (white table sugar) as it’s harmful to hummingbirds. There’s really no need to boil the water, we boil one cup simply to dissolve the sugar quicker and more effectively. If you do boil the water, be sure it has cooled before filling your hummingbird feeders. Store extra nectar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Now wasn’t that easy?
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Leave Hummingbird Feeders Up!
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!
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Hummingbird Feeders Seeing Triple Activity
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!
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