The Heat is On

 Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The heat is on, and it is the perfect time to remind bird lovers that they need to maintain their hummingbird feeders. When the temperatures rise up above the 80 degree mark, the nectar in feeders can quickly go bad.  When it gets this hot, I recommend cleaning and refilling feeders every 3-5 days, especially if they are hanging in an area with full sunlight.

If you don't have time to get to the store and purchase the powdered or pre-mixed nectar, you can make your own at home with sugar and water.  I use a 4:1 ratio of water/sugar:



I boil the water first in the microwave, then add the sugar until it dissolves.  I let it cool a bit on the counter then add it to an empty 1/2 gallon milk jug. This will stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.

It is not necessary to have red coloring in the nectar as shown at left, especially if there is enough red visible on the feeder itself.

Keeping their feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar will ensure that your hummingbirds hang around throughout the "Dog Days of Summer".


Hummingbird Fun Fact:
The oldest known Ruby-throated hummingbird was 9 years 1 month old.

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Water for Birds

Fountain Water Source

As the summer temps continue to rise, it is vital that we provide a source of water for the feathered friends we have managed to lure into our yard.

There are any number of ways to make water available, including the simple bamboo fountain shown here.  I took a beautiful glazed ceramic pot and attached it with clear silicone to the matching dish. This solved the issue of closing the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.  I had purchased the bamboo spout (with pump) a few years ago at a local garden center.  I filled it with a few rocks, and it was ready to go.  Not only do the birds love it, but it provides a nice source of water for my two dogs and cat.

The sound of gently-flowing water is irresistible to both birds and other wildlife. However, I don't limit myself to just one fountain.  In fact, I have an additional six (yes six) birdbaths located throughout my yard.  Not only do they provide a needed drink and/or bath for birds frequenting my bird feeders, but it is often visited by those "elusive" woodland species who prefer to dine on fruits and insects.  Placing a water source close to the edge of a wooded area is a great way to see a variety of species, including wood warblers.

Re-purposed Birdbath

Don't be afraid to get a little creative...this birdbath (left) was a favorite last season for my robins and blue jays to bathe in.  It was made from a combination of repurposed items (old glass light fixture shade and iron candlestick).  If you are not particularly creative, your local garden center will have a variety of birdbaths and/or fountains for you to choose from.

Don't forget to keep them clean and filled with fresh water.  You can also treat your birdbaths and fountains with special "safe" enzymes to keep the water clear and fresh!

If you don't have to the time or money to spend endlessly filling bird feeders with seed or you don't care for the mess...try placing a few birdbaths in your yard today!


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