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Hummingbird Garden

Making Humming bird Nectar

15 years ago

When you make up this solution of 4:1 Organic Sugar and Water how long can you keep it in the frig... for when I leave Florida I want to make up some nectar so that my housekeeper can change the feeder and put in fresh nectar.. Of course I've bought enough Sugar ..LOL don't want them to go with out..I'm hooked can ya tell..even bought a few feeders just in case... but hopefully when I get to Pa I'll be able to put up a feeder too and enjoy those that have come to the North..

I had to go out and buy the Organic sugar this afternoon as I went from the Red Stuff to White sugar ..that's all I had..and now I'm on to the real Mc Coy...hopefully..

Look forward to reading as you all post

God Bless

BarbZeee

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Comments (7)

donnalovesblue
15 years ago
BarbZeee...Here's what I've been doing for many years and it works for me and the hummers. You can either boil the water or microwave it. Add the sugar and let it sit long enough for the sugar to melt. It should keep in the fridge for a least a week. (BTW, I have never used organic sugar). Make sure your housekeeper cleans the feeder before filling.

Yes, we're all hooked on these little creatures and I'm sure you'll have them to enjoy back in PA.

Donna
rob_a
15 years ago
Barb, I don't boil the water, but I do have a filter on my kitchen facet to remove chlorine and other unpleasant tasting chemicals.
The water I use for nectar tastes good to me, and my hummers. We are all healthy.
Rob
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This isn't about h-birds, and it's more about buzzers than hummers, but it seems like a reasonable follow up anyway. There's a narrow path along one of my borders, between a mixed bed and a small pool - about 25' long and only 3' wide (the path; the mixed bed is about 10' deep) and for over a month now the racket from the mixed bed has been astounding. This border is backed by old spruce trees and has a long row of evergreen euonymous (not one of the invasives, this is 'Manhattan' or a similar large-leaved variety) between the trees and a row of tree peonies, mountain laurel and azaleas, underplanted with gingers, geraniums, and various other perennials. Closer inspection revealed that the racket was coming from the euonymous, which has been blooming for weeks. After an even closer look, I realized that the buzzers were not bees at all, but flies. I can't detect any odor from these flowers, but there must be one, and it must not be anything that would appeal to people. Are there other plants that attract flies by the millions? These bugs (or are they insects?) don't seem to congregate anywhere else in the yard, and don't seem to be doing any harm. And, they don't scare anyone the way the bees that are swarming the clethra do.
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donnalovesblue
15 years ago
Good advice, Rob! I agree with you.
barbzeee
Original Author
15 years ago
Donna, Rob...Thank goodness.. I thought omg if I have to get anything else..I'll be spent..LOL well almost.. I have to tell you my little guy..ring around the collar and red throat..has hit that feeder a lot today..this evening from 5:30pm till 7:15 pm..he was busy.. I mean to tell ya.. I couldn't believe how many times he came back and went around each little opening.. I watch too..well me and my critters.(dogs) sat in the window and as soon as I went for my camera ..like a flash he was color me gone ! but I'm trying to keep a log as to when he comes..so I can be ready for him...Now I've only noticed one...but thrilled with just that.. and I've called everyone I know... and had them all laughing..I've become a hummingbird watcher..along with what ever else comes in my garden....and to think I only have a few more weeks and I head North......Oh, and I named him too.. I know losing it here..but I call him Harry as in Houdini..he disappears so quickly... now looking forward to tomorrow..and by the way Donna..glad to hear white sugar is ok too... gosh thinking did I shorten his life.. I mean started with RED STUFF then on to WHITE STUFF LOL... I want you all to know I have my neighbors hiding when they see me... I just can't wait to tell them the good news !!!!

Ok, bent your eyes...Yes, I did clean the feeder tonight and already put it out for the morning. as it was already 4 days old and we've had some really warm days..

He'll be happy that's for sure...

Have a great evening all and look forward to reading from all of you

God Bless
BarbZeee
nanaboo
15 years ago
BarbZee, I had 2 regular hummers last year at my window feeder. My grandchildren named them "Joe" and "Sugar" They had so much enjoyment watching them from the kitchen window. I called the grandchildren today to say Joe was back, with several friends, so they must come visit me with more names!
ctnchpr
15 years ago
Barbzeee,

Is your organic sugar pure white like table sugar, or does it have a hint of color such as tan, brown, or caramel?
marilyn_fl
15 years ago
I wish my little hummer would come to my feeder. I have 2 different feeders and it will not come to either one. Don't have a clue why. I keep the nectar changed regularly but for some reason it doesn't use the feeder. Come to think of it I haven't seen it for a while either.

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