|
|
Post by Momof5 on Sept 16, 2015 18:26:02 GMT -5
I bought a hanging humming bird feeder bottle and am wondering if I use the red liquid feeder from the store or is there a liquid feed I can make myself? Also, do humming birds even live in
SW FL? If so, what time of the year are they here? Year around? I am assuming if they live here it is only during the winter.
We recently moved here from the Midwest and I have a lot to learn about birds, plants, etc. in SW FL.
Thank you.
|
|
|
|
Post by dsueiras on Jan 14, 2016 18:46:48 GMT -5
Living in Pinecrest, Florida next to Mangroves, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a hummer on my Bolivian Powder Puff last summer. I hung a nectar feeder by a kitchen window, then placed red scarves and blankets on the back lawn and hedges near the feeder to get the hummer's attention. Sure enough it worked. Now she's a regular at the feeder, every single day, several times a day. So get a feeder, may two or three, tie a big bow around them, and watch what happens. I like the Mini-Hummzinger best. It's a saucer style feeder, 2 parts to clean and you're done. I've read hummingbirds need to visit about 1000 flowers per day for their nutritional requirements. A feeder gives them the equivalent of thousands of flower feedings. Give them food, they will come. THEY WILL STAY. Inform your neighbors--some will want to plant hummingbird flowers or hang feeders too. BTW I believe I have a female Ruby Throat. A second female showed up and some fighting began, so I hung another two feeders far enough away so that everyone's happy. I'm waiting for the migration back from Central and South America to begin hoping these two little ladies will start a family, and stay because they like the neighborhood!  |
|
|
|
Post by dsueiras on Jan 14, 2016 18:54:53 GMT -5
I make my nectar; it's far cheaper and no red coloring please! 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. In winter I'll only make 1 cup water with 1/4 cup sugar bc I don't need a lot of nectar for 2 hummies and bc the temperature is cooler now. In the summer I make more all at once, maybe 3 cups water and 3/4 cups sugar bc the summer heat spoils the nectar faster. I've read the sugar water will keep well in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
|
|
