Actually, I did know.:laughing: Many, many years ago, an avid birdwatcher co-worker told me. He had pictures of the hummingbirds sitting on his and his kids fingers in their backyard in Dallas. So I tried that sugar and water recipe the last time I put our hummingbird feeders (as I said, lots of years ago) in Navarro County, and I never saw a hummingbird near it. In fact, only a few bees, but then the ants found it.ullinghair:
So, once again, I'm giving it a try and whether the hummingbirds show up or not, I think the red color is prettier for me to sit on the patio and look at.:laughing:
Bird,
There have been all kinds of tests relating to sugar content of flowers and different mixes of sugar and water for hummers.
Whatever works, is the best.
Our house is always surrounded by flowers in the ground, on the back decks, front porch and hanging pots as well. Our hummers prefer the feeders since the sweetness is stronger but go to the flowers as well, if the feeders are too busy or get empty. There are also flowering ornamental fruit trees close by that they constantly fly back and forth from to the feeders.
Her recipe is a full cup of water with 1/2 cup sugar added so it is really about a 3:1 ratio of mixed volume.
She doesn't boil it since it is usually gone in one day or sooner.
She does clean them well about once a week with a touch of laundry soap and water, no bleach.
Here are a couple pictures showing the water doesn't need color to attract the birds. But if you like it colored, that is fine too.
We buy sugar in 25 pound bags for them in the summer.
The reason for the Oriole feeder in the one shot is I spotted a Baltimore Oriole at the Hummingbird feeders once, so I got one to give him a better perch. The hummers used it like it was there own. You can see they even feed there in a rain storm.
One of the Hornets on the way to Lou is in the other picture. Of course these are previous year pictures. The hummers won't be here till May.