Are you one of the many people who look forward to seeing your first hummingbird of the season?
Give them food and they will come!
It’s surprisingly easy to make your own hummingbird nectar to lure these fascinating creatures to your yard or garden.
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My Story
While visiting with my neighbors, we were admiring their new hummingbird feeder.
They are one of many who look forward to the arrival of hummingbirds to the neighborhood.
Although they had purchased food with the feeder, our neighbor seemed to recall that his grandmother made her own hummingbird nectar.
The actual process was a dim memory, but he did recall the addition of red food dye.
Although I can’t claim an extensive knowledge of hummingbirds, I do know that when I was making my own hummingbird nectar, my sister emphatically warned me away from using red dye.
And honestly, no matter how old you are, it’s ingrained to listen to your big sister.
If you too look forward to seeing the hummingbirds and would like to attract them to your yard or garden, make a habit of feeding them.
Hummingbirds are busy little critters, and they like to eat, a lot!
It’s simple and inexpensive to feed hummingbirds when you make your own Hummingbird nectar.
What you need:
- ¼ cup refined white sugar
- 1 cup boiling water
- Bowl
- Spoon
Steps:
- Mix the boiling water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved (A simple syrup like the one in my best ever homemade lemonade!)
- Cool and fill the feeder
Enjoy the hummingbirds when they find your food!
Don’t get impatient, it may take a while.
What about the red dye that so many people want to add to their hummingbird nectar?
According to the National Audubon Society, red dye is not necessary and could actually be harmful to hummingbirds.
The point of the red dye is that hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors.
Instead of using red dye, opt instead for buying a beautiful red hummingbird feeder (affiliate link)
Don’t be tempted to substitute honey for sugar.
Honey can promote fungal growth that is dangerous to the hummingbirds.
Whether you make, or buy, your hummingbird food, feeding hummingbirds is a commitment.
Feed them regularly.
Hummingbirds tend to return once they locate nectar.
Check the feeder daily to ensure there is plenty of food available.
Keep the food fresh and watch for signs of mold and bacteria that can harm the birds.
Keep your hummingbird feeder clean.
When purchasing a hummingbird feeder, buy one that comes completely apart.
It’s important to be able to access all the nooks and crannies to give the feeder a thorough cleaning.
Use only hot water or a weak water and vinegar solution to clean the feeder.
Avoid soap, as soap tends to leave behind a residue.
Would you like to attract hummingbirds to your yard or garden?
Feed them and they will come!
Keep it simple and make your own hummingbird nectar.
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