Hummingbird Feeder Reminder
Winter has Eugene seeing more frost at night, and hummingbirds could use a little extra boost when temperatures drop. This supplemental feeding can be extremely beneficial to them as flowering plants go dormant, and food selection becomes scarce.
It is important that feeders go out early in the morning (hummingbirds are early risers in search of food) and then bring the feeders back into the house at night when temperatures are below freezing.
Here’s a very simple recipe to use in your hummingbird feeders:
4 cups of water to 1 cup of WHITE table sugar
(no honey, brown sugars, artificial sugars, or red food coloring)
•Bring water to a boil, remove pan from heat (so you don’t burn sugar) stir in sugar till it is completely dissolved and allow to cool.
Never set out hot or even warm nectar, room temperature is best! Extra food can stay in the fridge for 7-10 days for replenishing.
•Be consistent with feeding.
Hummingbirds become dependent, and somewhat territorial, so it’s no joke when you say “my hummingbirds” are at the feeder today. Enjoy these fascinating tiny birds, they are delightful to watch on a cold morning, seeing them feeding and replenishing their reserves.
P.S keep your feeders clean, washed, free of mold or algae build up, this can sicken hummingbirds. Keep the nectar fresh. Enjoy!
