Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are "the jewels of the garden".I read that somewhere once and it
is a true statement, especially if you live someplace where they are seasonal
visitors.Where I live the first hummers (as I like to call them) usually appear
around the middle of May and stay until mid September, never later than the end
of September.But for those few short months they're around they certainly are
beautiful to see and fun to watch.
I only have one variety that visits my area, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
I have a large feeder with six perches hanging outside my kitchen window.But it
is a rare sight to see more than one hummer at a time using it.Usually if one is
already there, when a second appears they will both fly off. Another behavior
which is very funny to watch, is when one hummer is at the feeder and the second
appears, but instead of flying off the first bird stays put while the newcomer hovers
back and forth, just above the guy sitting on the perch.This can go on for several
minutes until they either fly off or decide to share the feeder.Once I actually saw
three birds sharing the feeder, but as I said this is a rarity.
You can buy hummingbird food that you just add water to, but I prefer to make
my own. Also if you buy the prepackaged food it always has food color added
to it.I have read that it may actually be harmful to the birds.Besides practically
every feeder you buy has red on it and that's all that's needed to attract them. If
you would like to make your own food the recipe is very simple:1 part white sugar
to 4 parts water (for example if you use 1 cup of sugar, use 4 cups of water) put
the water and sugar in a saucepan, stir until the sugar dissolves (only a matter of
seconds) and boil for 2 or 3 minutes.Then just let it cool to room temperature.You
can make up extra to store in the fridge, but I prefer to make it fresh each time.
Try and place the feeder somewhere out of direct sunlight, as this will cause the
food to spoil and mold very quickly, (which is very harmful to the hummers.)If
you or a neighbor have cats choose a location where the hummers will be protected
from the cats.So low to the ground or a tree probably isn't a good idea.Also if you
place it in a tree or on a stake in the ground, you're likely to have a problem with
ants.They will also be attracted to the sugar-water.I've found the best place to put
the feeder is under the eaves of the house.That way it's protected from cats and
ants, plus you don't need to get a ladder out everytime you need to refill it.You can
just reach out the window to get it!
Change the food regularly, certainly no less than every two weeks, and that's only
if it's in a shady area.If it's in the sun, at least every week, preferably twice a week.
There are many types of feeders, but I prefer one that has perches for the hummers
to sit on.I figure that way they can rest while they're drinking and I find that they
stay at the feeder longer.Often I'll see one at the feeder that has finished drinking,
but it will stay and sit there for awhile.It gives you a good chance to really look
at them.So I hope you get a chance to see the jewels in your garden!
