Hummingbirds are wonderfully unique birds to watch. They flutter,
hover, dodge, dart and just simply seem to play. However, all that moving
around burns a tremendous amount of energy and they need to feed
frequently. They literally fly to eat and eat to fly!n
Hummingbird feeders are usually filled with a mixture of 4 parts water
to one part sugar. This mixture should be boiled to ensure all impurities
are killed. Any excess can be refrigerated until needed. The mixture
should be changed at least once a week and more frequently in very warm
weather. You can also find powdered mixtures at your local hardware or
bird store which works well.
Red is very attractive to hummingbirds, so your feeder should have some
red in it. Please do not use red food coloring in your homemade food. To
color a sugar mixture, find a bird friendly coloring at your local birding
store.
Keeping desirable flowers in your garden near the feeder is also
helpful in getting those little guys to frequent your feeders. Flowering
plants like Columbine, Begonias and Holly Hocks, as well as Fuchsias,
Coral Bells and Lantana will definitely increase your chances. Impatiens,
Penstemen, and Petunias along with Geraniums and Flowering Tobacco are
also favorites of hummingbirds. There are many other types of flowers
hummingbirds will frequet.
Be careful putting multiple feeders too close together! Hummingbirds
are very territorial and will defend their "turf" to the death.
The best time to start putting out feeders is when the weather starts
to warm up. Yes, this is a little vague, but hey, these guys aren't on a
schedule. Since they are migratory birds, you will have a good chance of
getting them to hang around if you get your food out early.
I hope you are able to enjoy this little wonders for a long time to
come, they truly are wonderous birds.
