So, one of my favorite birds to watch are Hummingbirds. They are curious birds who have a distinct sound that is easy to identify once you can recognize it. My boys enjoy watching them eat from our feeder so I try to make sure the containers consistently have nectar in them.
Flower nectar is 21-23% sucrose (table sugar), which Hummingbirds love to consume. The nectar can be artificial made for low cost. Below is a great recipe that I've used with success!
Ingredients you'll need: 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water (THAT'S IT!)
- I usually do 1 Cup sugar to 4 Cups water since my feeders are small.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Stir while solution is heating until all the sugar is dissolved. (Avoid boiling for too long since that will change the sugar/water ratio as the water is boiled off.)
- The reason for boiling is to eliminate chlorine/other mineral deposits in the water and to kill mold/yeast spores that may be in the sugar. This allows the nectar to last longer while protecting the Hummingbirds.
- Allow your solution to cool before using it in your feeder or storing in the refrigerator.
**NOTE: Using food coloring, honey, Jell-O, brown sugar or artificial sweeteners may harm your hummingbirds.
Contrary to popular belief, your nectar does not have to be red in order to attract hummingbirds. It is the red of the flowers that holds the power of influence. You can add red to your feeder by tying a red ribbon on it to attract them OR you can buy a feeder already designed to do that.
Wild Bird Shop has some wonderful feeders that can be shipped to your door. They have great resources about Hummingbirds including how often you should change your nectar as well as this recipe.
Here are some fun links to DIY Feeders: New England Birdhouse & Stars and Sunshine.
MableMae
