“An important area of emphasis is proper feeder care. This is critical. If you want to feed hummingbirds, you must be committed. This includes daily commitment to the feeder’s care or else birds will leave or be killed.”

Source: University of Illinois

Homemade 1:4 mixture

1. Mix 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil, add sugar and stir with wooden spoon.
3. Cool and serve.

It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Important Notes

• Never use honey, sugar substitute, or premixes when making your nectar mix. Research says that honey will attract bees as well as a black fungus that will cause a fatal liver and tongue disease in hummingbirds.
• The use of red food coloring in your solution is both unnecessary and unhealthy for the birds, especially when your feeder already has the appropriate red plastic blossom.
• Hummingbird feeders require routine cleaning every 2 to 3 days, especially in warm weather. Check feeders daily to be sure there are no ants, mold, or off-odor solution present.
• Feeders made of plastic, glass, or ceramic should be washed with a vinegar solution. Use a bottlebrush to clean hardened debris on feeders, and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Attracting Flowers

You can also attract hummingbirds with flowers. There is a long list of flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. Some annuals that you might have success with include

• Geraniums
• Verbena
• Dianthus
• Vinca
• Morning glories
• Salvia
• Smaller-flowered petunias

They like red colors and fragrant blooms. However, popular flowers for hummingbirds are sage, fuschia, and impatiens.