Original Artwork by my friend Gail Jordan
The darting flashes of iridescent green have become much more active in my yard—tiny hummingbirds zipping between still-bare branches. But with no flowers in bloom yet, I’m worried they’re left searching for food. If you’re seeing the same (especially in the Pacific Northwest, where some hummers brave the winter), here’s how to help them now—and prepare your garden for their return next year.
The Perfect Hummingbird Feeder Recipe
Ditch the store-bought red dye; hummingbirds don’t need it, and it’s not great for them. Here’s the simple recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 part white granulated sugar
- 4 parts water
- Instructions:
- Boil the water to remove impurities and help the sugar dissolve.
- Stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature before filling your feeder.
That’s it! No food coloring, no honey (which can ferment), no artificial sweeteners—just sugar and water. It’s like a tiny, bird-friendly cocktail.
When and How to Clean Your Feeder
Hummingbird feeders are like tiny restaurants, and no one likes a dirty diner. Mold and bacteria can grow quickly in sugar water, especially in warmer weather, so cleaning is crucial:
- Frequency: Clean your feeder every 2-3 days in warm weather, and once a week in cooler temps. If the nectar looks cloudy or you see black spots (mold), clean it immediately.
- How to Clean:
- Empty any leftover nectar.
- Disassemble the feeder completely.
- Wash all parts with hot water and a bottle brush. No soap! (Residue can harm the birds.)
- For stubborn mold, use a mix of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water, then rinse thoroughly.
- Let it air dry before refilling.
Why It Matters:
Old or moldy nectar can be deadly for hummingbirds. When they ingest spoiled food, it can cause fungal infections, bacterial infections, or even toxic buildup.
Pro tip: Keep a spare feeder to swap out while cleaning, so the hummers never have to wait for their refill.
Hummingbirds in Winter: The Great Migration (or Not)
Most hummingbirds fly south for the winter, but some, like mine, are sticking around in places like the Pacific Northwest. If you’ve got winter hummers, keep your feeder up and make sure it doesn’t freeze. You can use a feeder heater or even a heat lamp to keep the nectar liquid.
Hummingbirds: Tiny But Mighty
Here’s a fun fact: hummingbirds are fiercely territorial and will fight to guard their feeders… To keep the peace, consider putting up multiple feeders spaced out so one feisty bird can’t hog them all. You could also add natural distractions (like bee balm or trumpet vine)—they’ll split their attention between guarding flowers and feeders.
Remember, hummingbirds aren’t just adorable; they’re also incredible pollinators! As they flit from flower to flower, sipping nectar, they transfer pollen and help plants thrive. If you want to attract more hummingbirds naturally, plant some of their favorite flowers:
- Bee balm (they can’t resist it!)
- Salvia (especially the red varieties)
- Trumpet vine (a hummingbird magnet)
- Fuchsia (perfect for hanging baskets)
- Columbine (native varieties are a hit)
Also consider planting early-nectar superstars like Red-Flowering Currant or Oregon Grape.
The Takeaway
Hummingbirds are more than just backyard visitors—they’re a reminder of how resilient and magical nature can be. Whether they’re darting around in the summer sun or braving a Pacific Northwest winter, these tiny birds bring so much life to our world. So, let’s do our part to keep them fed, safe, and coming back for more.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some feeders to clean and some hummingbirds to impress. Happy birding!
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