Attracting
Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Locate your hummingbird feeder in the same spot
year after year, as returning hummers will come
back to last year's exact location, expecting to
find the feeder there. To help ensure attracting
them, it's best to meet their expectations! They
may not spot your feeder relocated to the other
end of your yard.
It's best to place your feeder near tubular
flowers, red or orange in color. Flowers with
these characteristics attract insects, which,
along with nectar, are vital in the hummingbird
diet. Hummers consume insects and derive protein
from them. A bush or tree near your feeder
provides welcome perching.
If possible, each spring install your feeder
before insects arrive and before flowers bloom.
This wins hummers to your food source before
they are established solely on nature's bounty.
Hang your feeder in a partially shaded area,
direct sun can cause the sugar and water nectar
mixture to separate and leak from your feeder.
A feeder should be cleaned thoroughly once a
week in warm water and white vinegar to remove
residue. A stiff bottle brush or hand-mop is
useful. Soap or detergent are not recommended,
especially if you have a vacuum type feeder
which relies on capillary action (which soap
interferes with). We recommend fresh nectar
weekly; old solutions can ferment or produce a
mold harmful to hummers. Hummers are fussy and
will not come to feeders that have been
neglected. They are quickly discouraged when
they find feeders empty.
Hummers are very territorial and will fight at a
feeder. When this happens it is best to set up
another feeder in another spot to stop the
fighting. Locate it about six feet from the
other feeder.
Do not use any pesticides on flowers from which
hummingbirds feed.
Making Your Own Nectar Use 4 parts water and 1
part sugar. Boil this solution for two or three
minutes on your stovetop, not in your microwave.
Boiling helps retard fermentation and renders
the syrup to the proper consistency. Store the
solution in a closed container in the
refrigerator. Do not substitute honey for sugar
in this recipe. Honey can cause a fatal fungus
disease in hummingbirds.
(source:
duncraft.com)
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