Welcoming Hummingbirds

Every year I dig out our hummingbird feeders, clean them, and hang them. We hang one from the eave in front of our kitchen window and the other in front of Abigail's window.

The whole family enjoys watching the hummingbirds feed from the feeders as they fill their tiny bellies with the nectar we have made for them.

Here are a few tips to help you maximise your hummingbird experience this summer:

You do not want the nectar or your feeder to get mouldy as the mould is fatal to the birds. I scrub my feeders weekly with hot water, vinegar and a scrub brush making sure to rinse all parts of the feeder before filling and rehanging it again.

Since most feeders have red or pink on them to attract hummingbirds, you do not have to dye your nectar red. The birds will find the feeders without it.

Older style feeders are difficult to fill so if you can hang the feeder from something that you can easily remove to fill your feeders you will be very thankful. I can attest - pouring sugar water down your arm a couple of times a week all summer long is not something you will look forward too.

Hummingbird Nectar

1 cup sugar
4 cups water

Mix sugar and water together, heating mixture on the stove until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. After the mixture has cooled, fill your feeders.

You will be watching the hummingbirds in no time!