Feeding the Hummingbird

Feeding the Hummingbird
by Cheryl L. McClure

Hummingbirds are so enjoyable to watch as they swoop in and hover at a flower or over a feeder. Their flapping wings rate at around 50 times per second. There are many species of hummingbirds and some travel 3,900-miles one-way from Alaska to Mexico. It’s no wonder that people love them so much they want to invite them to stop by for a feeding. That's all the more reason to put up hummingbird feeders for them!

Over the years I have spent a lot of time at the ranch where we have a feeder on the front porch and was able to shoot pictures of them when they arrived.

It was neat even, from the inside of the cabin because we had the feeder hanging right in front of the window!

There was also a branch we had stuck in the fencing where they would land and then take off like a jet!

When I didn’t know better, I was giving the hummingbirds a premade mix that contained red dye. Yes, it was convenient, and like so many of us, it was at the store and I thought it was ok. I mean why would someone manufacture something that is unhealthy? Later I realized the dye is NOT good for them, it's toxic!! We are bombarded with toxic products everywhere we turn. I decided it was high time that I start paying attention to ingredients. Anyway, it’s just as easy to make it at home. 

Now that we live closer to the ranch, I have a different feeder that was given to me by a good friend. It sits outside the kitchen nook at home and we get to watch the hummingbirds come and go throughout the day. 

It's very simple to make your own hummingbird nectar, so here you go>>>

Hummingbird Nectar Ingredients:

• 1 part white granulated sugar
• 4 parts water

​Instructions:

1. Boil the water and pour into a glass container
2. Add the sugar and mix till dissolved
3. Allow mixture to cool
4. Add mixture to the hummingbird feeder
5. Store remainder in the refrigerator for a future refill

See! Simple!

Enjoy your birds and be confident they are getting just what they need while they are on their journey. Sure, they love the natural flowers but they like to stop at fresh, full feeders too! And you can be the one to make sure they are getting exactly what they need!

Oh, and between refills, clean the feeder so it will be free from dirt and germs. 1 capful of Thieves Household Cleaner with 3 cups of water is all it takes for general cleaning. Spray and use a bottle brush to get it good and clean.

That's easy enough! 

Enjoy!

​Cheryl @ Pickle Creek Ranch

There are lots of great options for hummingbird feeders and I have seen some that have red glass. Here are a few examples of different feeders: