Hummingbirds and Nectar Feeding

There's a good reason to venture outside during our hot, humid Southland summers: Those little 2-inch powerplants known as Ruby-throated hummingbirds! Their big-bee 'hmmmm', acrobatic agility and 'unseen' wings can delightfully wile away an hour or two from your day. You're hooked once they decide your home is a good place to establish their summer residence, choose mates, raise nestlings and fearlessly defend their feeders from intruders. Then they return the next year, and the next... inviting you again into a vitally important part of their world: FEEDING. Its really easy how we can entice and welcome them, but consideration and diligence are due for their well-being and our enjoyment.

What kind of feeder? It just has to have red on it! This color is their attractant. There are feeders w/red nectar reservoirs, some w/red feeder ports. If the one you choose has neither, attach a red artificial flower, red ribbon, or red tape. We have used plastic and glass feeders and found the Hummers to have no preference. Our only consideration is hanging a glass feeder over a concrete floor, steps or walkway (especially with curious cats around). You'll want to consider how easily you can clean the feeder and opt for one without a lot of detailing and crevices. Also, you may want to buy another one or two to place out of sight from the first to keep territorial males from dominating.

Bee guards at the ports help keep that insect at bay. And our solution for ants was to suspend the feeder from a single fishing line (light weight - 4lb test or so) between the porch hook and the feeder, and spray the line heavily w/Pam or other spray cooking oil.

Where to hang? From a porch, deck, tree; somewhere far enough away from trafficked areas, but close enough for viewing opportunities and "Kodak" moments. Once they get used to you, they are perfectly willing to feed at a porch feeder (and put on a circus show!) fully aware of your presence. Partial shade and not much wind is desirable. Our Hummers seem to prefer feeders hanging beside ferns or other hanging plants that may offer them a feeling of shelter. Hanging a feeder close to "Hummer flowers" is a reason to have multiple feeders. One close enough for you to enjoy; another close to their preferred flowers (Lantana, Impatiens, Hollyhock, Petunia, Geranium, Azalea, Honeysuckle, Morning Glory, Trumpet Creeper, Butterfly Bush, to name a few).

When to hang? Most Hummers are migrants, visiting North America in the warmer seasons. If you live in Florida, they may arrive in January, while northern locations don't see them until May. In NE Alabama, depending on the current year's weather flukes, we hang ours somewhere around mid-March and take them down mid-October. Leave them up at the end of the season until you notice they're not feeding for 2-3wks. This also allows those migrating thru your area to feed. The important part is getting them up in time for their arrival. Ask around to find when to expect your first visitors of the season. Your County Extension Service will help you.

What to feed?
NECTAR: Hummers that visit us each year have spoken: No prepared mix, thankyouverymuch! With multiple feeders available we have provided a menu variety and, hands down, they partake from the Nectar (sugar water) recipe feeders... only!
INSECTS: Hummers also eat small insects such as gnats. To encourage these li'l providers of protein, hang an overripe banana peel or melon close by the feeder. You can also place these in a net sack and hang close to the feeder. NOTE: Use insecticides wisely and sparingly in your garden. The Hummer's diet requires small insects as their source for protein.

NECTAR (sugar water) RECIPE:

ONE PART SUGAR TO 4 PARTS WATER
Example: 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup water
BOIL 1-2 MINUTES
and remove from heat immediately. This prevents too much water from evaporating from mixture. Boiling helps slow fermentation while hanging outside, especially in the heat of summer.
ALLOW TO COOL
before filling the feeder
STORE IN REFRIGERATOR
if you make multiple batches at a time.

CAUTION:

Don't use honey in the mixture as it increases the chance of spoilage
Change feeders often! Harmful molds can cause sores inside their mouths
Don't use an artificial sweetener in the mixture as it has no nutritional value
Don't use prepared mixes that use red dye, and don't add red dye to the above recipe, as it is thought to be harmful to Hummers

CLEANING THE FEEDER:

FUNGUS GROWTH/MOLD in the mixture is harmful to hummingbirds. For that reason, refill the nectar feeder every few days, depending on heat and sun the feeder is exposed to. Clean the feeder at each refill by either rinsing w/hot water or, if inside has fungus/mold growth, clean by filling w/vinegar and uncooked rice (not "minute" rice) and vigorously shaking until the mold is dislodged. You can also soak it in bleach water at a solution of 2oz of bleach per 1 gallon of water. RINSE WELL! Avoid using soap as the residue may affect the capillary action of the feeder.