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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!
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Add Mosaic Bird Bath for a Fresh Water Source
Clean Feathers Fly Better!
Wild birds require a consistent fresh water source (year round) to properly preen feathers for optimal flight conditions. Some bird baths are actually too deep for birds to bathe and wade comfortably. The maximum depth of bath water should be no more than 3 inches. The mosaic bird bath above, is shallow and perfect for feathered friends to drink and bathe. If your bath has a deeper center, consider placing a large rock in it so birds can perch.
In warmer weather, water tends to stay cooler and fresher longer if the bath is placed in the shade. In freezing winter months, place baths in full sun if possible. Mosaic, ceramic, copper, and glass birdbaths also have the capacity to hold a birdbath heater during frigid weather, a life saver for many birds during tough winter months.
Birding Tips, Information & News
Reuse and Recycle with eco-friendly wild bird accessories.
