These interesting little birds are attracted to red and to deep-throated flowers such as honeysuckle and trumpet-vine. The tongues are able to reach deep within long tubular flowers, and to the bottom of our feeder cups.

Hummingbirds will return from migration year after year, looking for the feeders where they hung the year before.

After the young have learned to fly, the parent birds will bring them along to feed at the Hummy-Bird Bar.

Most males are pugnacious by nature, but occasionally a male will take charge of a feeder, and chase away all others. The best cure for this is to hang another feeder some distance away, perhaps on the opposite side of the house.

RECIPE:

1 cup of boiling water
1/4 cup of sugar (white sugar works fine)
(Honey should never be used when feeding birds)

The basic recipe is four parts water to one part sugar. You may find that the sugar crystals dissolve best in boiling water.

Remember to allow the water to cool sufficiently before hanging the feeder back in its position outside.

Any left over sugar-water can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Nectar should be replaced a minimum of once a week and more often in the summer.

If possible, its best to locate the feeder in the shade. Always clean your hummingbird feeder with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly each time you replace the nectar.

Bee guards are not the answer

As Hummers drink, they drip on the outside leaving a sticky residue on the feeder.
To correct this problem. Fill a spray bottle with soapy water to clean the outside. It discourages the bees and they will soon leave. The soapy water will not hurt or upset the Hummers.

Your time and patience will be more then rewarded the first time you see a hummy sit on the perch, fold his wings and "have one on the house" from your Hummy-Bird Bar.

Given as a gift, you will be remembered all year long.