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.

Belinda's Website