|
|
Post by marilynh on May 30, 2009 7:07:41 GMT -5
If I am not seeing any hummers now should I still keep a feeder out during the summer. Or just let the plants be my source of food. My big problem is that I do not have any shady places to put the feeder. It would have to be in direct sun.
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve Backes on May 30, 2009 10:10:50 GMT -5
Marilyn,
It's hard for me to insist that you should keep one up, as I've gotten lazy with mine but if you want to do everything possible to attract one, I would recommend keeping at least one feeder out at all times. Chances are that you won't be seeing any hummers until August or September at the earliest so the flowers should be fine. On the other hand, if it's not too much of a hassle to daily rinse and minimally fill a feeder that's placed in an easily observed area, you may be surprised by a visitor earier than you would expect. This may be especially true after a tropical storm passes nearby. There is always the possibility of a storm blown bird from Cuba or the Bahamas (Cuban Emerald or Bahama Woodstar).
If the feeder is regularly rinsed and refilled, the sun shouldn't be an issue.
Steve
|
|
|
|
Post by johntampa on Jul 5, 2009 18:51:55 GMT -5
I have been buying store premixed solution since I am new at attracting hummingbirds. I went on line to the state, and they say to mix one part sugar to four parts of boiling water. OK, my question is can I use distilled water in the gallon jug from the store and just mix it using the one to four ratio?
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve Backes on Jul 6, 2009 0:30:35 GMT -5
I do not recommend the premixed solutions or the nectar powders. For starters, they're a waste of money. You spend a lot of money for a little bit of sugar with those nectar solutions. I wouldn't use distilled water. Tap water will do fine so long as it's safe for you to drink. The only reason to boil the water is to aid in the dissolving of the sugar. You'll have the same issue of getting it all to dissolve whether you use tap or bottled water.
|
|
|
|
Post by johntampa on Aug 13, 2009 17:30:19 GMT -5
Now seeing hummers at my two feeders in the back yard. I have two types of feeders, a flat one with a red top; and a glass taller one. The feeders are new to the yard and are placed next to flowers the birds frequent.
|
|
