The hummingbird fascinates us as we watch it extract nectar from flowers or
our brightly colored feeders, because a hummingbirds wings flap at such a high
rate of speed they seem to be suspended in air.
Watching and attracting
hummingbirds to our flower gardens has become very popular. Therefore, dozens
of styles of hummingbird feeders have emerged.
Some of the feeders on the market are very artistic, nothing wrong with a
nice design as long as they meet the purpose intended, attracting and feeding
hummingbirds.
So how do we know what to look for in a hummingbird feeder?
Even though hummingbirds seem perfectly happy flying while they are
feeding, they actually prefer to sit, so a feeder with a built in perch is
ideal.
Unless you actually know how populated your garden will be, start out with
a smaller feeder.
A clean feeder makes a happy hummingbird. Be sure to purchase a feeder that
is easy to clean and maintain. Keep your feeder filled so you will attract
more hummingbirds.
Add-on ant moats or built-in ant protective feeders will help control those
pesky ants.
Bees and wasps love the color yellow so stay away from hummingbird feeders
with yellow features. Consider the shape of your feeder find one that keeps
the bees and wasps from reaching and feeding off your nectar mixture.
Hummingbirds are attracted to red, red, red.
Find a wind and rain resistant hummingbird feeder. Rain water will dilute
and contaminate your nectar solution. If your feeder does not have a rain
guard, you can purchase metal or plastic disks, designed just for hummingbird
feeders. A new pole mounted wind resistant feeder is also now available on the
market.
Finally a recipe for that wonderful nectar the hummingbirds love to feed
on.
The recipe to keep your hummingbirds happy, healthy and returning to your
garden:
It has not been completely proven that red dye is unhealthy for
hummingbirds, so why take the chance. Buy feeders that have a red component.
That should be sufficient enough to attract the birds.
Pre-mixed hummingbird nectars are very expensive. The extra vitamins and
minerals listed on the packages are not a necessity for the hummingbirds, as
half of their diet consists of insects they extract from fresh flowers and
plants.
One part sugar and four parts warm tap water, never use distilled or water
which comes from a water softener. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. If you
use boiling water to make your mixture do not add to the bird feeder until it
has cooled to the touch.
Most hummingbird feeders hold enough mixture for about three days, if your
solution turns cloudy throw it away even if you think it is a fresh batch.
For winter feedings, three parts water and one part sugar it will help the
sugar solution become more weather resistant and prevent freezing.
Never use Honey, because it is becomes toxic and deadly once it starts to
ferment, which it does very rapidly.
Hummingbirds like to bath, like other birds, but they usually like the
water that drips from leaves, fountains, or lawn sprinklers. Consider placing
one of your hummingbird feeders amongst trees or your garden that is in reach
of your fountains orlawn sprinkler system Then grab your favorite lawn or deck
chair, sit back and enjoy the view.
