| -link"> | | | | do the Hummers like them; it also adds color and |
| | | | interest out in the yard. |
| It’s early in May a beautiful fairly warm | | | | Putting Up A Feeder: |
| day so I’ve decided to enjoy it and sit on | | | | From elaborately decorated glass to simple plastic |
| the front porch. | | | | there are numerous types of feeders to choose |
| While relaxing in a rocking chair with my eyes | | | | from. |
| closed, just enjoying the sun and early warmth I | | | | I will tell you from experience, I’ve used |
| begin to hear a sound off in the distance. | | | | both — the decorated one just because it |
| At first it’s not recognizable, sounds almost | | | | was pretty, the Hummers really didn’t care |
| like a hum from a model airplane. | | | | — and I ended up with a simple teardrop |
| As it begins to get louder I’m beginning to | | | | shaped clear glass container with perches around |
| think I know what the source of this strange | | | | the base, it was easy to tell when the solution |
| noise is. | | | | was low and simple to take apart. |
| I open my eyes and sure enough just as I | | | | Where to hang your feeder or feeders — |
| thought there is a small green colored Hummer | | | | once you start, guaranteed you’ll have to |
| hovering right at the edge of the porch — | | | | have more than one — is up to you and |
| coincidentally right where a feeder normally hangs | | | | the layout of your home and yard. |
| — now I’m not certain but he | | | | If you have an open porch this is a great place or |
| appears to be looking right at me like he’s | | | | from tree branches. Most people look for spots |
| trying to tell me Hey, I’m back, | | | | where the birds can be seen; after all half the fun |
| where’s the food. | | | | comes from watching these little dynamites. |
| Every year it’s the same, they show up | | | | Feeders that mount to windows with suction cups |
| around Mothers Day and every year I’m | | | | are another alternative. |
| always a little surprised to see them and of | | | | What To Fill Them With: |
| course not prepared. | | | | Two choices here, pre-made solution or hand |
| Well so much for my relaxing afternoon, | | | | made, the choice is up to you. I personally have |
| it’s time to get out the feeders, clean | | | | done both but if you prefer to make your own |
| them and make up some food then get them | | | | the following is the standard recipe. |
| hung. | | | | 1)One part ordinary white cane sugar to four |
| And so begins another season with these | | | | parts water. |
| marvelous entertaining little birds. | | | | 2)Boil the water is you wish however it is not |
| Attracting Hummingbirds: | | | | really necessary. |
| Hummers have a good memory they can | | | | 3)Store unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to |
| remember where to find food sources from | | | | two weeks. |
| previous years. However in order for them to | | | | If you choose to make your own solution, do not |
| remember your home you will first need to let | | | | add honey as it ferments very rapidly and can be |
| them know about it. | | | | fatal to the birds. Also the addition of red food |
| There are two ways to accomplish this, first by | | | | coloring is not necessary, they will find the food |
| planting or hanging flowers that will attract them, | | | | without it. |
| second is to have an additional food source such | | | | Maintenance of Feeder: |
| as a hanging feeder that you keep filled with a | | | | Sugar and water mixed together will ferment |
| syrup solution. | | | | — not good for the birds — which |
| Flowers that have red to orange blossom colors | | | | limits it’s usability, this can happen very |
| are known to attract them but they will visit any | | | | quickly during hot summer months. |
| color if they discover sufficient nectar. | | | | Therefore when temperatures range between |
| Blossom shape is also important as this little birds | | | | 60-85 degrees — or higher — the |
| beak is long and tapered, so downward-hanging | | | | mixture really should be changed about every |
| blossom — Honeysuckle is a good example | | | | three days, of course if you happen to have a |
| — are a favorite. | | | | few Hummingbirds visiting your outdoor diner then |
| Several other varieties are as follows. These | | | | you will be refilling about this amount of time |
| particular flowers are geared for the Northeast | | | | anyway. If you should notice any cloudiness in the |
| — where I happen to live — so you | | | | mixture change it right away. |
| will want to check within your region for | | | | Before refilling feeder be sure to thoroughly clean |
| appropriate blooms. | | | | the feeder with warm soapy water and rinse |
| Perennials: | | | | very thoroughly. This is where having a feeder |
| - Bee Balm | | | | that comes apart easily is important. |
| - Salvia | | | | Attracting these wonderful little birds is not only |
| - Foxglove | | | | entertaining it’s also beneficial as they also |
| - Lilac | | | | eat insects. |
| - Hollyhock | | | | Plant some Bee Balm, hang a container filled with |
| - Forsythia | | | | a beautiful Fuchsia plant and last but not least put |
| There are several Annuals that will also satisfy | | | | up a feeder. |
| their little palettes. | | | | You’ll find that having your peaceful |
| - Fuchsia | | | | afternoon snooze on the porch interrupted is |
| - Impatiens | | | | worth it. |
| - Petunia | | | | If you would like to learn more about the |
| As these are favorites in the use of hanging | | | | Hummingbird the following web site are filled with |
| baskets each summer try hanging several around | | | | lots of great information. |
| your home. The most common place of course is | | | | The Hummingbird Society - |
| on your front porch or on hooks around a deck | | | | The Hummingbird Web Site - |
| or patio; another idea is to hang some right from | | | | This is a share ware article. |
| tree branches. I’ve done this and not only | | | | |