Introduction to Hummingbird Syrup
Hummingbirds are a delight to watch, and attracting them to your garden can be a rewarding experience. One of the best ways to draw these tiny creatures to your yard is by providing them with a homemade hummingbird syrup, also known as nectar. But why make your own syrup when you can buy it at the store? For one, homemade nectar is cheaper, healthier, and free from harmful additives. Plus, it’s easy to make!
In this blog post, we’ll go over the step-by-step process of making hummingbird syrup. You’ll also learn some important tips and tricks for attracting more hummingbirds to your yard and keeping them coming back.
Why Make Your Own Hummingbird Syrup?
Hummingbird syrup is an essential part of creating an inviting environment for these tiny, energetic birds. While you can buy premade nectar, it’s often filled with unnecessary additives and preservatives. Homemade hummingbird syrup, however, is made from simple, natural ingredients: just sugar and water.
Making your own nectar not only ensures that it’s free from harmful ingredients but also helps you create a more eco-friendly solution. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective!
What You’ll Need to Make Hummingbird Syrup
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients and tools you’ll need.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of white granulated sugar
- 4 cups of water
Tools:
- A saucepan (for boiling the water)
- A stirring spoon
- A measuring cup
- A clean container or bottle to store the nectar
Simple Hummingbird Syrup Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started with the hummingbird syrup recipe.
Step 1: Boil the Water
Start by boiling 4 cups of water in a saucepan. You want to make sure the water is boiling before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Add the Sugar
Once the water is boiling, add 1 cup of white granulated sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. This is crucial, as undissolved sugar can make the syrup too thick for the hummingbirds.
Step 3: Let it Cool
After the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. This step is important because you never want to put hot syrup in the hummingbird feeder, as it can harm the birds.
Step 4: Store the Syrup
Once the syrup has cooled, transfer it into a clean container or bottle. You can now use it in your hummingbird feeder. Be sure to store any leftover syrup in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Now that you know how to make hummingbird syrup, here are some helpful tips to make your garden even more inviting to these incredible creatures.
1. Choose the Right Feeder
Not all hummingbird feeders are created equal. When choosing a feeder, look for one that has red coloring, as hummingbirds are naturally attracted to this color. You should also ensure that the feeder has multiple feeding ports, as this allows more than one bird to feed at once.
Avoid feeders with yellow coloring, as this can attract bees and wasps. You want to keep the nectar safe for the hummingbirds, so bee-proof feeders are a great option.
Here’s the best designed hummingbird feeder to use. It’s leak proof, so it won’t attract insects and it’s easy to take apart and clean.
2. Place the Feeder in a Safe Spot
Hummingbirds are territorial, so it’s important to place your feeder in a spot where they’ll feel comfortable. Ideally, the feeder should be near trees or shrubs that provide a safe place for the birds to rest. A good spot is one that offers shelter from predators and gives the hummingbirds easy access to the nectar.
Here’s a great article that tells everything you need to know about how to choose the best place to hang your hummingbird feeder.
3. Keep the Feeder Clean
It’s essential to clean your hummingbird feeder regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. Clean the feeder with hot water and a mild dish soap every few days, especially in hot weather. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly before refilling with fresh syrup.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you clean your hummingbird feeder
4. Use Fresh Nectar
To keep your hummingbirds healthy and happy, make sure to change the nectar regularly. In hot weather, it’s important to replace the syrup every 2-3 days. If the nectar is left too long, it can ferment or grow mold, which is harmful to the birds.
How often it will have to be changed will depend on the temperature. The hotter it is the sooner the nectar you made with the hummingbird syrup recipe, will have to be changed. Read the chart below to see how often to change your homemade hummingbird nectar:
High temperatures Change nectar after
71-75 6 days
76-80 5 days
81-84 4 days
85-88 3 days
89-92 2 days
93+ change daily
5. Provide Natural Food Sources
In addition to the syrup you provide, hummingbirds are also attracted to flowering plants. Brightly colored flowers like trumpet vine, bee balm, and petunias are perfect for attracting these small birds. By planting a variety of nectar-rich flowers in your garden, you can create a natural buffet for hummingbirds.
Here’s a complete guide to attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It lists plants, vines and shrubs that are in bloom for spring, summer and fall. Your hummingbirds will always have flowers to feed on.
Common Questions About Hummingbird Syrup
You might have some questions about hummingbird syrup, so here are answers to some of the most common ones:
Can I use brown sugar or other types of sugar?
It’s best to stick to white granulated sugar when making hummingbird syrup. Brown sugar and other types of sugar contain additives and molasses that can be harmful to the birds. Additionally, different sugars can change the texture and consistency of the nectar.
Do I need to boil the water?
Yes, boiling the water is necessary to fully dissolve the sugar and create a smooth syrup. Boiling also helps to remove any impurities from the water.
Can I make a larger batch of hummingbird syrup?
Absolutely! You can double or triple the recipe depending on how many feeders you have or how many hummingbirds visit your yard. Just remember to keep the syrup in the refrigerator to prevent it from spoiling.
How long can I store hummingbird syrup?
Homemade hummingbird syrup will last about 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. However, if you notice that the syrup has started to spoil or develop mold, it’s important to discard it and make a fresh batch.
Conclusion: Enjoy Watching Hummingbirds in Your Garden
Making hummingbird syrup is an easy and fun way to attract more of these beautiful creatures to your garden. By providing them with fresh nectar, you’ll not only be helping them survive but also enjoying the joy of watching them up close.
Remember to keep your feeder clean, change the nectar regularly, and plant flowers to create a hummingbird-friendly environment. With just a little effort, your yard can become a buzzing hub for these tiny, colorful birds.
So, why not try out this simple recipe today? Before you know it, you’ll be watching hummingbirds flit and hover around your garden, enjoying the homemade nectar you made just for them!
One of the best Hummingbird feeders that’s easy to take apart and clean is the HummZinger Ultra.
Aspects 12oz HummZinger Ultra With Nectar Guard.
The HummZinger Ultra 12oz Saucer Feeder is one of the best options for a hummingbird feeder that’s both easy to clean and maintain. This top-tier feeder features patented Nectar Guard tips—flexible membranes on the feeding ports that keep flying insects out while still allowing hummingbirds to feed freely. Plus, it comes with an integrated ant moat to prevent crawling insects from reaching the nectar, and the raised flower ports help divert rain, keeping the nectar fresh.
With a 12 oz capacity, this mid-size feeder offers plenty of space and can be hung or mounted on a post using the included hardware. It has four feeding ports and is made from durable, unbreakable polycarbonate. Whether you’re concerned about bees, wasps, or ants, this feeder is built for easy cleaning and insect protection.
If you already have a hummingbird feeder, and you want to protect it from ants and other crawling insects, the ant moat below will do the job.
Trap-It Ant Moat for Hummingbird Feeders
Using an ant moat for your hummingbird feeder is an effective way to keep ants away from the sweet nectar. These tiny creatures are drawn to
the sugar water, and without a barrier, they will quickly infest your feeder, preventing the birds from enjoying the nectar. An ant moat works by creating a barrier of water that ants can’t cross. Positioned above the feeder, it effectively blocks the ants’ path, keeping them from reaching the nectar.
This simple solution also ensures that your hummingbird feeder remains clean and accessible for the birds, rather than becoming a breeding ground for ants or other pests. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy, inviting space for hummingbirds, while also reducing the need for chemical ant deterrents.
The first and still the best to protect your Hummingbird and Oriole feeder from ants and other crawling insects. Insert between hanger and feeder and fill with water, providing a barrier to crawling pests. Red color to attract hummingbirds.
|
Small bottle brushes and pipe cleaners are always helpful to dislodge mold inside the feeder and in the feeding ports. It is necessary to have a clean mold free feeder to attract hummingbirds and to keep them healthy. |
If you found this article helpful please share it with your friends using the social bookmarking buttons on the left side of this page. Help everyone to increase their enjoyment of feeding hummingbirds. Do it for the hummingbirds!
Hummingbird Resources
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Hummingbird Conservation
This site offers detailed information about various hummingbird species, their habitats, and conservation efforts. It also provides resources on how to protect these fascinating birds.
National Park Service – Hummingbird Resources
The National Park Service offers insights into hummingbird species found in national parks, their behaviors, and their role in ecosystems, along with tips for observing them.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Birds: Hummingbirds
This resource provides educational materials on the role of hummingbirds in pollination and biodiversity, backed by scientific research and exhibits from the Smithsonian.
U.S. Geological Survey – Hummingbird Studies
The USGS offers research on hummingbird migration patterns, population dynamics, and environmental threats, including studies on climate change impacts.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Hummingbirds
While not strictly a government site, Cornell partners with federal agencies to provide valuable scientific insights into hummingbird behavior, conservation, and field guides
