Hummingbird Feeders
Time to get ready for the hummingbird season. Here in Minnesota we are probably looking at the middle of next week for them to arrive. It doesn’t hurt to get the food made and feeder up now ready for the first bird of the year.
As far as feeders go, there are lots of them on the market and hummingbirds do not seem to be particular to any one style. The important thing to note is to only put out enough sugar liquid that will be consumed in a few days so unless you have a lot of activity, you will not need a large capacity feeder. It is better to look for a feeder that is easy to fill and clean often. This Perky Pet feeder has been my go-to for years and I usually only have to fill it up halfway.
For the nectar, mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water (i.e. I make 1 cup sugar with 4 cups water). I lightly boil the water in my electric kettle to make the sugar dissolve easily. No need to add red dye - hummingbirds will find the food without the additive. I cool down the whole mixture in refrigerator and then pour some of it in my feeder and store the rest to use over the following week. Best to keep the used nectar in the refrigerator as it can spoil easily in warm weather.
Locate your feeder in a spot where you are most likely able to see them. Hummingbirds are very tame and will come up close to a window. I locate mine right off the deck by my kitchen window under the overhang. If you can keep the feeder in the shade, it will help make the nectar last longer. Once the nectar starts turning cloudy, it is time to refresh it.
Feeding hummingbirds is probably the easiest bird feeding adventure. You will get lots of enjoyment with little mess and expense. Hummingbirds do get territorial and often fight for control of the feeder providing you with an opportunity to watch these tiny birds engage in some crazy acrobatics to defend the food you provide!
They are great to watch - lots of energy!