Hummingbirds (garden, food, porch)

[BarbJ]

Hooray!!

I have columbines blooming in my garden which, according to a bird expert on Science Friday, heralds the arrival of the first hummingbirds. So put out your feeders (with no red food coloring) and wait for the hummers to arrive. Apparently the males will arrive first to stake out their territory. Let us know if anyone sees one!

[groove1]

I put out my feeder 2 weeks ago and have seen one hummingbird. I don't use the red food dye either; it's not necessary. I had two red citronella candles (not lit) on my porch railing in the fall and a hummingbird thought it was a feeder. I actually use natural cane sugar (Florida's Crystals) and boil it with water to make the food. They also like trumpet shaped flowers nearby.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by BarbJ

Hooray!!

I have columbines blooming in my garden which, according to a bird expert on Science Friday, heralds the arrival of the first hummingbirds. So put out your feeders (with no red food coloring) and wait for the hummers to arrive. Apparently the males will arrive first to stake out their territory. Let us know if anyone sees one!

THANK YOU so much for the reminder! Meant to do this Sunday! Going now to make the syrup

[NCyank]

Yes, thanks for the reminder. I will only put up one feeder until I see the first hummer, and then put up the rest.

[BxRosie]

Originally Posted by groove1

I put out my feeder 2 weeks ago and have seen one hummingbird. I don't use the red food dye either; it's not necessary. I had two red citronella candles (not lit) on my porch railing in the fall and a hummingbird thought it was a feeder. I actually use natural cane sugar (Florida's Crystals) and boil it with water to make the food. They also like trumpet shaped flowers nearby.

What's the sugar to water ratio you use?

THANKS

BxRosie

[NCyank]

I use 4 parts water to 1 part sugar.

You should boil the water first, dissolve the sugar and let cool before filling the feeder. Extra nectar can be stored in the fridge.

[brokensky]

Thanx for the reminder! With the cold snap, I have not even been thinking about hummingbirds . . . and we typically get quite a few here!

[BarbJ]

GREAT GROOVE. You are way ahead of the curve!

[groove1]

I use the 4-1 ration too.

[BarbJ]

You know, I've always used a 3-1 ratio - no wonder mine get cavities.