Feeding Hummingbirds

The first step in attracting hummingbirds is to set out nectar feeders (figure A). "You can buy fancy and expensive feeders," says James. "But to tell you the truth, the cheap glass or plastic feeders work just as well or better, especially the flashy red ones."

Here's one that uses a plastic recycled pop or water bottle as a nectar reservoir (figure B). At less than $5, it's a bargain and it works great too. And speaking of nectar, you can make your own or you can buy what's called "instant nectar."

To make your own nectar, dissolve one part sugar to four parts boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool before filling your feeders. You can also buy instant nectar powder in various flavors such as strawberry (figure C), which dissolves readily in warm water. Superfine sugar, often sold as baker's sugar, works well and dissolves readily in cold water.

A few cautions, however: Whatever you do, don't use honey and don't add food coloring to the nectar. Either can be harmful to your little hummers. Don't use sugar substitutes either, because they don't have any nutrient value.

Hang your feeders in a sheltered, semi-shady location. Too much sun on them can cause tube feeders like this one to drip on their own (figure D). Leaky feeders not only waste nectar but can also attract ants by the millions.

As all hummingbird fans know, ants can be a real problem at feeders. So if ants are indeed a problem in your area, consider buying and installing an ant guard (figure E), which mounts above the feeder (figure F) and prevents ants from crawling down to it.

"The most important thing to keep in mind is that your feeders must be cleaned routinely (figure H)," James says. Ideally, clean them at least once a week with soap and warm water (more frequently when the weather is hot). The sugar-water mixture is a perfect breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria, and certain forms of bacteria can be harmful to hummers. In addition to feeders, a number of flowering plants attract hummingbirds, especially those with tubular-shaped flowers such as honeysuckle, salvia and bee balm (Monarda).

"One of the favorites here at my place is the tropical shrub Tecoma stans, often sold as 'Esperanza' or 'Hope' (figure I)," James says. "And if you combine both nectar feeders and flowering plants for your hummingbirds, you'll be so happy you can't help but hum!"