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Pretty Parasol Ant Moat
For those who adore hummingbirds and enjoy feeding them, an accessory like the ant moat is of utmost importance. Sweet and sticky nectar is a real attractant for pesky ants, and can easily ruin the whole experience of feeding and watching these flying jewels.By adding an ant moat to hummingbird or other nectar feeders, you’ll stop ants dead in their tracks. Ants can’t swim-so they’re never able to cross the moat as long as there’s water in it.
Standard ant moats will serve the purpose well, but Parasol ant moats add grace and charm to pretty hummingbird feeders. Parasol ant baffles are also available for staked hummingbird feeders and will keep ants away from nectar by using a touch of petroleum jelly on the underside.
Whether a hanging or staked type feeder, an ant moat or baffle helps to provide a better birding experience for you and feathered friends!
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And For The Cats’ Enjoyment – One Window Hummingbird Feeder
Aside from opportunities for great close up views and observation by humans, window feeders provide the same for indoor kittys. A believer that cats shouldn’t roam in yards to hunt wildlife, mine are indoor only, with a nice screened deck that’s “outside” for them.The bird feeders, squirrel feeders and baths are really entertaining for them, they sit and watch for hours, sometimes getting a little vocal about their sightings. Today I visited a lady who’s rescued many a cat from shelters, vets’ offices, and parking lots. It was the most wonderful setup I’d ever seen. These cats had tunnels, cat walks, cat trees, and windows with shelves to sun, with many spots for access to contained outdoor areas. Outside, one was even hunting crickets, you wouldn’t think he even knew he was in a pen. Fresh air, grass beneath their feet, and nature right there with them.
In one of the many rooms, was a cat tree in front of a bay window. A window hummingbird feeder was providing nectar for several hungry hummers. Flitting and darting about they didn’t even notice, or seem to mind the big fat cat who was observing. It was really a cool site, and such a great idea. To feed the birds, and keep them safe from predators, while still entertaining the cats!
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Hummingbird Feeders Seeing Triple Activity
After switching from commercial nectar to the plain sugar-water solution, we’ve seen three times as many hummingbirds as before. For some reason, they seem to prefer the home made version with no additives better than packaged nectar products.Sometimes you have to look closely to see the liquid level in the clear glass hummingbird feeders, and folks always say “shouldn’t it be red?” but the hummingbirds just know. Even though the the glass and the nectar are clear in color, hummingbirds flock to these feeders now. Four feeders are emptied almost daily, and it’s always a site to behold… for sure!
Making your own nectar is so simple too. One cup plain table sugar to four cups of water – that’s it. No need to boil the water, but it does help to dissolve the sugar quicker and more thoroughly. Any microorganisms are actually spread by hummers themselves, as they are carried on their bills. Never use anything but pure cane sugar (white table sugar) as it’s harmful to the birds and may be fatal.
The other great hummingbird enticer is leaf misters. They love to flit back and forth in the gentle mist. Any moving water will attract hummingbirds, especially a fountain added to your birdbath.
Try your own nectar and notice the difference in hummingbird activity at your place…Happy Birding!
Birding Tips, Information & News
