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Hummingbird -
Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds definitely enjoy the
nectar from Milkweeds. We have a number of these plants
in our area, and most people let them grow (versus
mowing them down) just so the hummingbirds have another food
source. They are also beautiful plants, especially when they
bloom.
Photo provided by Jayne. See her Photostream
and contact information at:
Jayne's Photostream on Flickr
(Nectar)
Great project for 4 year old or older - with
supervision
Complexity - Medium
Time to Complete
- 20
minutes
Main Ingredient -
Sugar
Needed - White sugar and
water
-
Feeder - check out our sponsors for the various types.
Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, so it's important
that your feeder has red on it.
Step 1 - Mix
sugar and water in a 1 to 4 ratio, i.e. 1 cup sugar to 4 cups
water.
Step
2 - Bring mixture to a boil. IMPORTANT - boiling
takes out any chlorine or other impurities in the mixture that
may be harmful to the birds. Boil for 2 minutes, then
let cool. Boiling longer may change the 1 to 4
ratio.
Step 3- Fill
the feeder. Excess can be stored in the refrigerator for about
1 week. DO NOT ADD RED FOOD
COLORING. If your feeder has red on it, that
will be good enough. Also, many believe that food
coloring is actually harmful to the birds.
IMPORTANT:
- LET THE SUGAR
WATER COOL BEFORE YOU HANDLE IT - You may burn yourself or
crack your glass feeder if you are not careful!
- Change
nectar every three to five days to prevent mold and deadly
fermentation - if your nectar turns CLOUDY, it's fermenting or
spoiling, so it's time to change it
- NEVER use honey
or artificial sweeteners. Honey readily grows mold that can be
harmful to hummingbirds.
- Do not put any kind of oil
around feeding portals to deter bees; you might contaminate
the nectar.
If bees or wasps become a problem,
try moving the feeder.
Other Hummingbird
Facts:
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