How to make your own hummingbird food or hummingbird nectar ...
How to Make Hummingbird Food
by Jane Lake
Bee balm, hollyhock, hibiscus, trumpet honeysuckle, clematis, impatiens, phlox and fuchsias are some of the common flowers that will attract hummingbirds to your garden. But hanging a hummingbird feeder where you can easily see it is probably the best way to observe the hummingbirds in action.
There's no need to buy expensive hummingbird nectar - make your own, from this simple hummingbird syrup recipe.
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
1 part sugar/4 parts water
Boil the water first, then measure and add sugar, at the rate of 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water.
Let cool and store excess in refrigerator until ready to use.
Do not add food coloring, honey (which ferments), or artificial sweetener, which has no nutritional value.
You will need to clean your feeder about once a week. According to the National Audubon Society, this should be done by rinsing with one part white vinegar to four parts water. If the feeder is dirty, try adding a few grains of dry rice to the vinegar solution to help scrub it clean. Follow the vinegar wash by rinsing three times with clear, warm water before refilling with sugar solution.
The wing beat rate of hummingbirds varies by species, with the common Ruby-Throated Hummingbird averaging a wing beat of about 53 per second, seen by the human eye as a blur. The wings move in a figure eight pattern to produce the gravity-defying hover effect for which hummers are famous. The energy needs of this little bird are amazing - they must feed every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day, consuming up to two thirds of their body weight in food. An important part of the hummingbird diet is sugar, from flower nectar, tree sap and, of course, backyard feeders.
Hummingbirds cannot smell and depend on their eyesight to seek out flowers and food sources. Inexpensive hummingbird feeders are readily available and will attract the busy little birds without the need for coloring the food - the bright red container and easy food source will keep them coming throughout the day. Since hummingbirds are territorial, you may want to hang two feeders - one in the back yard and one in the front, to accomodate as many hummingbirds as you can. Hanging the feeders in a shady spot will discourage fermentation and spoilage of the nectar.
got the feeders up, hummers buzzing all over heard first one at 5am today outside our window.None stop all day gets dark here at 11pm still going even then .Still 2 feet of snow but its disappearing fast
Denise – Pottsboro, TX
May 11, 2008 - 15:04
I have heard that the red dye causes a fungus on the tougue of hummingbirds that can lead to death. Is this true? Also, I like to use the glass feeders with perches. I would think that the hummers would love to "sit a spell" without using so much energy as for non perched feeders! The hummers are here in Pottsboro. I have so much honeysuckle and they are enjoying a feast!
J D Chappell – Paris, TN 38242
May 11, 2008 - 14:35
I am trying to get started in the bird business. I was looking for the food that would
make the return.
Julie – Arkansas
May 11, 2008 - 13:12
Hello good day!!
Lots of hummers herein Arkansas.
When do they go into nesting? They don't seem as active all of a sudden.
I make the home made nector and have for years. My grandpa has tons of hummers and he said it's because of the butterfly bush he has planted they love it!!!
fred – san antonio
May 11, 2008 - 09:51
At what temperature should the nector be served? Refridgerator temperature
or room tempeerature?
Jackie – Terrace
May 10, 2008 - 21:29
Help - I have a hummingbird in my garage. Anyone have any ideas on how too get her back outside?
Reply to Jackie
Janet – Central OH
May 11, 2008 - 08:48
We have them in the garage several times last summer. I use a broom and hold it up and they will attack themselves and then I carry them out. Our garage ceiling is white and I think that's why they fly in. We had a cardinal in there last week. My husband saw our first hummer this rainy Ohio morning.
Reply to Jackie
brenda – Henryetta, OK
May 11, 2008 - 17:51
Try closing your big garage door and opening a side door so that the bird will see the light outside. Maybe put a feeder in sight just outside of the door to draw the bird out.
Delores – London,Ontario,Canada
May 09, 2008 - 16:19
I was'nt sure if it was too soon to put out my hummingbird feeder, because I have'nt seen them out yet. But I hung mine out last weekend, and a few hours later I noticed a hummingbird feeding from it. I was really glad I'd put it out when I did. I've noticed there are two now that are feeding from it. I love to watch them chase each other off.
Katrine – Frankfort, Illinois
May 09, 2008 - 14:48
This sight was very helpful! I can't wait to see our hummingbirds again! I just bought a new feeder since a storm destoyed our old one! Can't wait to see if this recipe works!Thanks
Creating a Hummingbird Garden Turn your garden into a haven for hummingbirds. This charmingly illustrated volume has garden plans, plus information on zone hardiness, soil conditions, sun and shade. It's also packed with facts on the lives and habits of hummingbirds.
It's a Hummingbird's Life This children's book about hummingbirds has beautiful watercolor illustrations, plus lots of charming hummingbird lore as the author follows a ruby-throated hummingbird through the seasons. Parents will like the tips on growing a hummingbird garden!
A Hummingbird in the House: The Story of Squeak Heart-warming story of the author's adoption of Squeak, a hummingbird that she rescued from killer frost. Squeak lives in her sunroom until spring, while the author photographs and records what it is like to interact with "a living jewel among the flowers."
Sweet Valley Hummingbird Feeder
For yourself or as a special gift, this Sweet Valley Hummingbird Feeder crafted of hand-blown glass, giving each piece its own unique iridescence. Holds 20 ounces of nectar (sold separately) and includes a graceful metal "S" hook for hanging.
Hummingbird Migration Maps:
Track the migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds in North America; add your own first sighting of the season to the Hummingbird Migration Map.
Ontario Hummingbird Project Maps and tracks hummingbird migration and the hummer population in Ontario, Canada.
Printable Hummingbird Bookmarks: Hummingbird Bookmarks If you're setting up a hummingbird feeder as a gift, why not include one of the free printable hummingbird bookmarks from AllFreePrintables?
How to Make Hummingbird Food
The wing beat rate of hummingbirds varies by species, with the common Ruby-Throated Hummingbird averaging a wing beat of about 53 per second, seen by the human eye as a blur. The wings move in a figure eight pattern to produce the gravity-defying hover effect for which hummers are famous. The energy needs of this little bird are amazing - they must feed every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day, consuming up to two thirds of their body weight in food. An important part of the hummingbird diet is sugar, from flower nectar, tree sap and, of course, backyard feeders. 
Creating a Hummingbird Garden
It's a Hummingbird's Life
A Hummingbird in the House: The Story of Squeak
Sweet Valley Hummingbird Feeder
