Hummingbird nectar

They have finally arrived! I am an avid birdwatcher and have a few families of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds nearby. They are so relaxing and amazing to watch and with a little patience, can be accustomed to being hand-fed.  I will give you a few tips to successful Hummingbird Feeding that I have learned over many years of feeding them.

Favorite Tubular Flower of the Hummingbird is Fuschia

1. Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, but not in their nectar. Make it a habit to buy red flowers in the spring, or buy some red perennials that bloom every year.
2. One of the plants that attract the hummingbird is the Fuschia. As soon as it is warm enough outdoors, I buy a hanging Fuschia and place it next to my feeder.
3. Tropical, tubular flowers also work and attract other birds as well.
4. Don’t let the homemade nectar stay in the feeder more than 3 days (here in NJ). It may have to be changed daily in very warm climates.
5. Try to find glass feeders. I have plastic and glass. Glass may be less prone to black mold.
6. Before mold sets in on any feeder, use a solution of ½ gal. of very hot water in a bucket with 2 capfuls of bleach. Soak for 1 hour and rinse 2 times in hot water to remove all traces of residue. Some birders use dawn soap to get it ‘squeaky clean’. Use a cleaning agent that you are comfortable with, then let the feeder air or sun dry.
7. Be prepared for buzzing very nearby. Hummingbirds often feed within a few feet of you when they get to know you. Enjoy these fine-feathered tiny friends.