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Cut Feeding Costs with a Hummingbird Feeder
Backyard birding is a wonderful hobby, that for some like me, turns into an obsession! Too many feeders, too many bird baths to fill and clean all the time.
Keeping bird feeders filled can get expensive, especially when using premium foods. Every birdfeeder is equipped with a squirrel baffle…I’ve learned the hard way! When warmer weather approaches and it’s time to put out hummingbird feeders, I know it will only cost pennies to create the nectar hummingbirds adore.
Last season I did a test with commercial red nectar and plain old sugar water…the sugar water mix won! One hummingbird feeder was filled with red nectar, while the other had the home made version. Three times as many hummingbirds went for the sugar water. It convinced me immediately to make my own nectar .
The recipe: 1 cup table sugar to 4 parts water. Could it be any easier? No need to boil the water (bacteria is spread through the birds’ bills at the feeders) but in doing so it dissolves the sugar quicker. I use 1 cup of boiling water until sugar is completely dissolved, then add 3 cups of cold water. There is no cooling time and nectar is ready to go in feeders!
If you do decide to try the recipe, NEVER add anything else to the mixture as it will harm, or even kill hummingbirds.
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Hummingbird Feeders Go Eco
Reuse and Recycle with eco-friendly wild bird accessories.Recycled glass has become very popular in the last few years. Even hummingbird feeders are available in this eco-friendly art glass. These feeders are high quality, and functional design for any environment.
The choices are amazing….you don’t have to use a red plastic version anymore! The myth of the red feeder is really just a myth. Tiny jewels know if the feeder has nectar in it for them…not sure how, but they know!
With the vibrant hues and creative designs, hummingbird feeders make lasting, and excellent gift choices for the nature lover on your list.
Commercial nectar is ok for hummingbirds, but we’ve found that plain old sugar actually works best to attract more hummers.
Simple Nectar Recipe: 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water…nothing else in the mix as it will harm hummingbirds.
You don’t have to boil the water–bacteria is spread through the bills of the hummingbirds at the feeders. Boiling water makes for quicker and easier dissolving of sugar. We boil 1 cup water, mix the sugar and add 3 cups cold water. The nectar is ready with no cooling time. Store unused portion in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Happy Birding!
- Bird Accessories, Bird Feeders, Hummingbird Feeders, Nesting Material, Uncategorized, Window Hummingbird Feeder
Place this Near Your Window Hummingbird Feeder
If you enjoy watching hummingbirds and have feeders in your yard to attract them, why not also encourage them to stay a while and nest there too?A new product called Hummer Helper is specifically designed for hummingbirds. It encourages them to nest naturally and nearby, thus increasing hummer population in your immediate area. It has even been endorsed by The Hummingbird Society.
If you have a window hummingbird feeder, hang the hummer helper nearby to encourage tiny jewels to set up house in your backyard. You’ll likely see more hummingbirds at feeders as fledglings begin feeding as well. Since hummingbirds practice “site fidelity” there’s a strong chance you’ll see a greater increase in hummingbirds at your feeders each year.
Birding Tips, Information & News
Reuse and Recycle with eco-friendly wild bird accessories.
If you enjoy watching hummingbirds and have feeders in your yard to attract them, why not also encourage them to stay a while and nest there too?