Make some hummingbird crafts!

 

It’s summer in Southern Illinois and one thing that summer always brings: Hummingbirds. While hummingbirds return to the region in late spring and early summer, it seems as though they are at their busiest during August.

 The first weekend in August sees the annual Hummingbird Festival at the nearby Land Between the Lakes (Kentucky) Woodlands Nature Station. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating little creature. Read more about at the Woodlands Nature Station in this article by St. Louis Day Trips Examiner Theresa Leschmann.

The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is the most common species found in Southern Illinois. With ruby throats, the males have the gorgeous, iridescent red breast while the females are more muted in color.

 It’s common to see hummingbird feeders all over Southern Illinois and see these little birds zipping all over - feeding on garden plants and man-made feeders alike.

 Observing the nature in your own backyard - especially hummingbirds - is a great way to get the kids involved in fun and educational activities. Here are a few fun and easy hummingbird crafts to do as a family. The kids will love them (mine do!) and just think about how much you’ll be helping the hummingbirds.

 Here are some easy hummingbird feeders you can make from things you’d normally throw out. Not only will the kids help the hummingbirds but they’ll learn another way to recycle.

 Make your own hummingbird nectar for the feeders by using four parts water and one part sugar. Boil to dissolve the sugar. Let it cool (this is important!) and pour it into your feeders. Refrigerate any that you have left over and use it later.

 NEVER use honey for hummingbird nectar.

 Here’s a great article from fellow Examiner Amy Lou Jenkins about attracting hummingbirds to your yard.

 For the little kids, here’s a cute toilet paper roll hummingbird craft (yep, once again - recycling!).

 Give it a try and enjoy those hummingbirds!