This is the first blog post in several days, because I was staying at my dad’s house to house sit and dog sit while he was in
The fact that I saw absolutely no hummingbirds during the entire six days I was at my dad’s house is absolutely unimaginable. When my mom was still living, our yard was a hummingbird haven. Each spring and fall, mom would do whatever she could to entice the hummingbirds to our yard. Mom would place numerous hummingbird feeders about the yard as well as planting various types of plants to attract the hummingbirds. Her efforts were usually greatly rewarded by the seer number of hummingbirds that would visit our yard each season.
The fact that there are no hummingbirds visiting our yard now is incredibly sad to me, because I share my mom’s great love and passion for these truly amazing birds. Because the birds are no longer there, it feels as if another part of my mom has been lost forever, and this is totally unacceptable to me.
So, if you enjoy hummingbirds, but you aren’t currently seeing them in your own yard it isn’t too late. It is important to note that there is no specific or exact date at which hummingbird feeders should be put up. Hummingbird feeders should be put up in time for their arrival. This will vary greatly depending upon where you are located. It is important to know the average date they arrive in your specific area, because you will want to get your feeder up 5-10 days prior to the average date of their arrival in your area.
Probably, the best way to trying and attract hummingbirds is through the use of hummingbird feeders. With this in mind, I want to offer you some advice concerning your hummingbird feeders.
You should use a birdfeeder with a perch at the feeder is recommended because this will encourage the birds to remain at the feeder for a longer period of time.
To make your own nectar solution, use 1 part white granulated cane sugar to 4 parts water.
If you choose to make your own homemade nectar solution, you need to bring this solution to a boil for 1 1/2 minutes and then let it cool down. This mixture is much more similar to that of the flower nectar.
Nectar solutions should be changed every three to five days, because hot weather can cause rapid bacterial growth.
It is not necessary to add food coloring, because red food coloring is unhealthy for hummingbirds. Also, a lot of hummingbird feeders have red somewhere on them and this will help attract the hummingbirds.
Honey should not be used to feed hummingbirds because it attracts bees and favors the growth of a black fungus that causes a fatal liver and tongue disease in hummingbirds.
I hope these suggestions will encourage those of you who have not yet put up your hummingbird feeders to do so now. It isn’t too late to do so. By putting up you hummingbird feeders, you will let the hummingbirds know that you welcome them in your yard and you will have the pleasure of watching and enjoying these tiny amazing creatures. I will also have the pleasure of feeling like a part of my mom still lives on. If you do put your feeder up and follow my suggestions…then the hummingbirds will come! Just try it and see.