When are the hummingbirds going to show up? (living, shop)

[Fischer_girl]

Originally Posted by ajzjmsmom

We were just talking about them this morning because the bees have been thick in my trees that are blooming these last 2 wks, and I said I was going to wait to put out my feeders until probably April. Does everyone make their own sugar water or do you buy the red stuff at WMart? I used to do the red stuff but a friend of mine said her uncle studied birds and the red stuff supposedly causes damage to their livers. That was when I started making my own stuff.

Not sure where you're from, but there is a great little wild bird store in down town Santa Fe... they'd know for sure!

[songinthewind7]

Originally Posted by ajzjmsmom

We were just talking about them this morning because the bees have been thick in my trees that are blooming these last 2 wks, and I said I was going to wait to put out my feeders until probably April. Does everyone make their own sugar water or do you buy the red stuff at WMart? I used to do the red stuff but a friend of mine said her uncle studied birds and the red stuff supposedly causes damage to their livers. That was when I started making my own stuff.

I make my own nectar with the white sugar.
Do not use raw/turbinado sugar. It's better for us humans but can wreck havoc on the little birds.
Just thought I'd bring that up.

[Towanda]

Has anyone else experienced this?

We had two hummingbird feeders ... made our own nectar using recipe we found online .... BUT our pair of hummingbirds seem to ignore the feeders and head straight for all the hummingbird-friendly plants and flowers in our yard.

So we took down the feeders and the hummingbirds were still around all summer.

[songinthewind7]

Are you using one cup of sugar to 4 cups of water?

[Towanda]

I can't remember exactly now, but yes, that sounds right.

[AlisonL]

I thought I saw a hummingbird the other day also. Will keep my eyes open for them.

[songinthewind7]

I've decided against putting out feeders now because it's still freezing here at night and I don't want the feeders to freeze.
So I guess I'll wait.

[caydriver]

Just leave some space for expansion in your feeders. These little buggers need something for energy.

[songinthewind7]

Saw a couple of them today so we put out one of the feeders but we'll have to bring it in at dark so it won't freeze.
Caydriver, I think it might be a bad idea for it to freeze and unfreeze again. Might spoil it quicker.
Now, off to watch for them.

[songinthewind7]

We have one feeder out that I put out 3 days ago when I saw one and he/she has been hanging around but hasn't brought 50 of his friend's back here yet.