Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive the first week of May and depart at the end of October. Rarities such as Rufous hummingbirds may appear in September or October.
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Here are a few pointers for preparing the nectar:
WATER:
Boiling tap water removes impurities, chlorine or chemicals. Do not use water that has gone through a softener. Do not add food coloring.
SUGAR:
Use white granulated sugar. Do not use molasses, honey, artificial sweeteners, no powdered or brown sugar.
1. 4 parts of boiling water
2. 1 part of white granulated sugar
3. Stir until sugar dissolvesd
4. Put in feeder once it has cooled. Spills when refilling outside, attracts ants, insects and other sugar loving critters. Emptying, cleaning and refilling close to a sink enables you to rinse afterwards.
It is suggested to clean the feeder and ports before refilling.
5. Refridgerate the extra nectar.
ANT INVASION
Installing an ant moat which has been filled with water is the best way to avoid invasions. The moat is placed between the feeder support and the feeder. Do not use pesticides or insecticides and do not apply petroleum (vaseline) or grease. This could jeopardize the hummingbird's life if its feathers are in contact with this sticky stuff. It wouldn't be able to preen it out.
Bird Feeding Tips
The most important factor that will influence birds to your feeder is not what the feeder looks like but what you are feeding. Birds are ingenious creatures and if there is food available to them, they can figure out how to get it. Birds like nearby vegetation in proximity to their food source. It allows them to carry off the seed to a selective perch and to consume that seed in comfort. Vegetation is the key to attracting all types of birds and insects, butterflies and bees as well to your property on a year-round basis.
Seeds are just one component to the feeding program. Nectar look-a-likes (for hummingbirds, and orioles) are also important considerations in the summer and suet during the winter months.
Never forget that water plays an important part of attracting birds. Bird baths or deck ponds will add a variety of birds to your backyard viewing and will bring you hours of enjoyment.
Bird Feeding Preferences
Blue jay - shelled peanuts, shelled sunflower seeds, black oil or striped sunflower seeds
Chickadees - black oil or striped sunflower seeds
Cardinal - sunflower and safflower seeds
American Goldfinch - Niger and sunflower seeds
Purple Finch - all types of sunflower seeds
Mourning Dove - white, red proso or golden millet and sunflower seeds
Common Grackle - cracked corn, black oil or striped sunflower seeds
Evening Grosbeak - striped sunflower seeds
Song Sparrow - white and red proso millet
Seeds are just one component to the feeding program. Nectar look-a-likes (for hummingbirds, and orioles) are also important considerations in the summer and suet during the winter months.
Never forget that water plays an important part of attracting birds. Bird baths or deck ponds will add a variety of birds to your backyard viewing and will bring you hours of enjoyment.
Bird Feeding Preferences
Blue jay - shelled peanuts, shelled sunflower seeds, black oil or striped sunflower seeds
Chickadees - black oil or striped sunflower seeds
Cardinal - sunflower and safflower seeds
American Goldfinch - Niger and sunflower seeds
Purple Finch - all types of sunflower seeds
Mourning Dove - white, red proso or golden millet and sunflower seeds
Common Grackle - cracked corn, black oil or striped sunflower seeds
Evening Grosbeak - striped sunflower seeds
Song Sparrow - white and red proso millet
