Spring is finally here (I think) at least around here!

Hoping the hummers don't show up here too soon. It's still snowing, 3" + by morning. Had a couple show up early last year, they got caught in a few late snows. Had to thaw the feeder daily.

 

If your going to be setting out a feeder in freezing weather, change the formula from 4:1 to 3:1. That has kept mine from freezing for those little hummers that tend to leave late in the year or come early. Change back to the 4:1 once the overnight temperatures reach around 38 to 40 degrees.
(4:1 = 4 parts water to 1 part sugar and 3:1 = 3 parts water to 1 part sugar)
The additional sugar acts as an antifreeze and is good to something like 25 degrees.

(I listed the ratio and translation for those who don't know the mix)

 

OK, but isn't 3/1 a bit too much of a concentration?

 

Actually not. Some of the concentrations in various flowers can reach up to 28%. So at a 3:1 ratio, it's under that range. I usually go with the 3:1 ratio at the beginning of the season and the end to keep the solution/nectar from freezing, and it also helps them prepare or recuperate from their long flight by allowing them to replenish their fat stores.

If I remember correctly, most flowers produce about a 23% concentration though there are some that produce as low as 18%. So a 4:1 ratio is about in the middle. The 3:1 ratio is only a little higher at 25% but still within an acceptable range. I wouldn't go any higher than that and only at the beginning and end of the season.

 

I appreciate the info also. As soon as they arrive, 3/1 they shall have. Could be any day now.

 

Yep, that creek water was cccccold! It sure wakens the senses! At least it was several feet deep without anything protruding like rocks or branches.

Not a problem. It was through research on various birding sites that I came up with the information. Here is one such site:
Fall Hummingbird Feeding Tips

Of all the birds, the hummingbirds are my favorite, and I want them to come back year after year, and to bring their offspring. So I tend to make my place as attractive to them as possible, even though for the last few years, my property has been in a state of flux with my doing landscaping and the like. That includes finding flowers the hummers like, and the deer will leave alone. What may repulse deer in your area may be a treat for the deer in another.

Another tip if you didn't know is don't use red food coloring in the mix. And only use white table sugar, not any of the fancier type sugars or sugar substitutes. I tried the store bought mix, packaged and ready to go, and I found the hummers really prefer just the plain sugar and water mix. You might want to run more than one feeder due to the territorial nature of the males. I start out with one that I keep an eye on in early spring. As soon as I spot a single hummer, then I'll increase it to two. I have a total of 6 feeders on hand always ready to go.

 

See, you can never tell what you might learn, even on FHC!

 

Star Gazer I'm betting that some people would enjoy pics of hummers at the feeder, no? Start a new thread and ask everyone to post their pics and see how it takes off!

 

I'm still breathing so the learning never stops.

 

Someone else will have to pick up the ball there. I have too any projects going right now to include this in the mix.

I know, how about you starting a thread on the subject?

 

Simple...no hummingbirds back here yet.