Hummingbirds

As I usually have a large flock I use only the 16 oz. glass ones made by Perky-pet. When the first male scouts arrive I put only one out initially and add the other three I use when the females begin to appear.

Hummers are very territorial so only one feeder usually won't draw a crowd. You will need to have multiple ones spaced about 10 feet apart in full sun, away from the feeders for others birds.

Two white eggs are incubated for about 20 days by the female humming bird and the young will leave the nest 20-22 days after hatching so the flock becomes rather large by July 4^th or shortly after. By then I have dozens of hatchlings as well as the previous adults.

From July until mid September I have too many to count therefore I use a total of four 16 oz. feeders made by www.perky-pet.com/ which I usually clean every three days to prevent algae and scum build up.

The recommended sugar/water solution is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. PLEASE NO FOOD COLORING. It can make them sick and susceptible to disease. Make a liter of solution and store it in the frigerator.

I clean the feeders at least once a week with a hummer bottle brush, also from Perky-pet, and a 10% bleach solution and rinse thoroughly).

The flock begins it’s migration by mid-September and by October 1, when I take all the feeders down to clean and store for winter. I do not believe in leaving a feeder out for a poor straggler as I can imagine it asking, “Hey guys, why did your leave me behind? Please come back so I can go with you!”

Hummers will return to the same location year after year and provide you with great enjoyment watching one of natures favorite and most amazing creatures.

Enjoy the wonders of nature,

Charlie Christian