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Keeping a Hummingbird feeder
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Hummingbird feeders can bring an uplifting spirit to any special place in the yard. There is no doubt about it. Almost everyone loves the tiny Hummingbirds. They bring a sense of joy and happiness to any backyard, front yard or outdoor patio. Hummingbirds have a way of bringing out the best in people. There is something about this wonderful flying creature that makes it's small but powerful presence an added bonus to outdoor living. They just make life feel good. Adding a feeder designed especially for the little hummer is a great way to attract them to any area of your property.
Hummingbird feeders come in all sizes and shapes. The feeders are filled with a liquid nectar solution that the Hummingbirds drink. Feeders are most often red in color. The color red is what attracts them to the feeder but they also like shades of bright pink and orange. They are attracted to flowers with these same colors in search of the flower nectar. The reason to keep a feeder is because there is more control over the nectar and reliance does not depend on nature.
Using Hummingbird feeders puts the owner in a responsible position to the Hummingbird. It is best to keep up on feeding the Hummingbirds once started. The birds become reliant on the neighborhood feeders for a steady food supply. The feeders should be kept full and cleaned. Hummingbird nectar can be purchased but the store bought nectar does not seem to attract the bird as good as a home made version. Making Hummingbird nectar is easy.
How to make Hummingbird nectar foe a feeder
Stir 1 part granulated sugar in to 4 parts water until the sugar dissolves.
So 1 cup of water mixed with 1/4 cup sugar or 2 cups water with 1/2 cup sugar.
Extra nectar that will not fit in to the feeder can be stored for about 14 days in the refrigerator. The nectar is so easy to make it is best to make the nectar as needed. Each time the feeder is refilled it can be washed and sanitized.
Cleaning the feeder
Take all the elements to the feeder apart and wash them in hot water. The components should be rinsed very carefully. The feeder will then be ready to refill. Make sure the nectar is room temperature when filling the feeder. The nectar should be changed every week if it does not get eaten. Bacteria could grow in the nectar and cause illness or death to an unsuspecting Hummingbird visitor.
Hummingbirds year after year
The Chicago region will see Hummingbirds from about April through October as the birds migrate in for the warm months. Keeping a feeder from early spring will usually attract a Hummingbird or two. Putting a feeder out year after year will keep the birds returning to feed for years to come. The feeders can be cleaned and stored during winter months and most feeders will last for several years before needing to be replaced.
A Hummingbird feeder like the one pictured, can be purchased from a discount sale in the fall if saving as much as 75% is important. It will save money and the feeder will be handy next spring when it is time to fill and hang up outside. Many styles of feeders are available and can usually be found in the home and garden center of most major variety stores. These items are seasonal that is why they can often be found at a huge discount in the fall. No matter what style of feeder purchased it is guaranteed to add joy and interest to any outdoor living arrangement. Hummingbird feeders have got to be one of the most enjoyable attraction for young and old. Hummingbird feeding is a most rewarding outdoor activity.
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