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Boiled Hummingbird Feeders?
In anticipation of the great hummingbird migration, all the hummingbird feeders were pulled from storage last night. With the mild winter season we’ve had in the South, the little sprites may be returning earlier than usual this year. Such an endearing and favorite of all our migratory friends, we roll out the red carpet so to speak!One of the plastic hummingbird feeders was looking a bit cloudy, although it was cleaned prior to storing last season. While making the first batch of nectar (so simple-recipe below) I had the brilliant idea to pour some of the boiling water in the feeder to “clear it up”. The feeder proceeded to melt in my hand… I couldn’t grasp what was happening at first, until I ended up with a Salvador Dali-looking hummingbird feeder! Really should have taken a picture, but was too disappointed in my better judgement. The feeder’s usable for now, but it sure does look funky.
This is exactly why we prefer blown glass or ceramic hummingbird feeders over plastic ones. The quality just can’t be compared. Instead of buying a new feeder every other season, handcrafted hummingbir
d feeders from artists and companies like Parasol and even BirdBrain will last a lifetime. They can be run through the dishwasher for easy cleaning, and they’ll never turn cloudy or yellow over time. The Dali-looking feeder will now be replaced for the last time with this beauty.Here’s a map showing the first sightings for Ruby Throats in the South and Southeast, with some who’ve even wintered up North. Brave little guys… it won’t be long now! Find the really easy nectar recipe to fill your hummingbird feeders below, they like it better than commercial mixes too 🙂
Mix 1 cup plain table sugar to 4 cups water. NOTHING ELSE, no substitutes as they may be harmful or even fatal to hummingbirds. Plain, Pure Cane Sugar is the only ingredient to use for nectar. No red dye either, it’s a big myth! There’s no need to boil the water, as any organisms spread are by the hummingbirds’ beaks. We do boil one cup of water, simply to dissolve the sugar more effectively. Let cool, fill feeders, and store unused nectar in the fridge for up to two weeks. That’s it! If you’ve never made your own nectar, we encourage you to try it this season, hummingbirds seem to prefer it, and it will be the least expensive bird food all year!
- Bird Feeders, Bird Nesting Materials, Birding Accessories, Hummingbird Feeders, Nesting Material, Uncategorized, Window Hummingbird Feeder
get them buzzing at your window hummingbird feeder
With the mild winter season across most of the country this year, it won’t be too long before the hummingbirds are back! Unlike any other songbirds, the tiny sprites are really in a class of their own. If you already have them around your place, then you know what I mean. If not, this is the year to feed, plant, and attract them to your yard. The rewards are mesmerizing and tenfold! And, no birdseed to buy… you can make your own nectar from plain table, or cane sugar (no substitutes) and water.To further entice hummingbirds to your window hummingbird feeder, moving water is always a huge attraction! Here are two other very cool accessories which promise
to bring them buzzing! Check out Pop’s Hummingbird Swing and video below, and Hummer Helper Nest Material (endorsed by The hummingbird Society).Place this simple but elegant Hummingbird Swing near your feeder and hummingbirds will use it as a territorial perch to watch over their food source. Tested and trusted, check out the video below. Swing, Eat, Chase away other hummingbirds.. repeat! Enjoy!
Hummer Helper Nest Material has actually been endorsed by The Hummingbird Society as being the only commercial nest material that will increase visits to your window hummingbird feeder. By encouraging nesting, juveniles will follow parents to the feeders, and if the habitat is right… those same hummers will return next season! Site fidelity plays a huge role in hummingbird migration, if they find a place they like, they return to that place year after year. Pretty cool, huh?
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the versatile window hummingbird feeder
It’s kind of bittersweet-the end of hummingbird season. When the beloved flying jewels have left for their winter homes, and all’s that’s left for us is cleaning and storing the feeders for next season. But it doesn’t have to be!A basin style window hummingbird feeder can do double duty to serve your resident birds treats during the winter season. From seed mixes, or shelled peanuts, to suet chunks and even mealworms, window hummingbird feeders that feature a basin style can do a two-in-one. Lids remove easily, creating a window feeder for prefect close-up views.
Your resident birds will thank you, especially during frigid weather. So instead of storing that window hummingbird feeder this year, be creative and offer feather friends another feeding spot… without the cost of a new feeder!
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