YOU, my dear, are the Hummingbird Whisperer! I just put my feeders out 10 minutes ago! I know I'm late, but I was reminded this morning while making coffee when a hummingbird twittered at my kitchen window and found nothing to eat! New subscriber here! I'm in the Deep South, and our temps haven't been out of the 70s yet, but we've got 80s and even 90s coming in this weekend. We NEVER ease into summer!
Thx for this video. We feed our Anna's hummingbirds year round. They stay through the winter. When it starts freezing outside we switch to 3 to 1 throughout the freeze as the higher concentration gives it a lower freezing point.
I've looked at a bunch of videos over the last few days for information about the right mixture for hummingbird food. Yours is the best, it is clear, simple and precise. I especially like the way you explain how it might be prudent to make the mixture a bit rich sometimes, but it's not required considering different flowers have different content of sugar. So easy to understand. My search for a good recipe is OVER, thanks to YOU, dear girl! Thank you, now I can actually enjoy the birds.
So today it was almost 90 here. It rained a little and I noticed one of the female Rufous was sipping the rain water from the copper thing above the seed feeders, now I know why. Great video. Well done video. Thank you. Love your sweet Fillmore.
Have always used the 4:1 ratio. But after just watching this from 115f Arizona :) - we’ll up it to a 5:1 ratio - at least until our hot summer ends. Thanks for the great information!
Thank you for the help my little friend came back and is now using the feeder i set up... I hear ppl doing wrong and killing them a lot so I had to find out and your way works great thanks again!!
4:1 pure cane sugar, yes! I have no bee (or yellowjacket) activity at the feeder, though there are plenty of the former at the palo verde tree a few feet away.
Thank you so much for making this video! I think this is an extremely important topic that all hummingbird enthusiasts should know👍. This kind of video will directly effect birds in a great way! Keep up the wonderful videos! 😁
I'm so glad you did a video on this. I too use the plain white sugar. That's interesting about the overload of iron with the raw sugar. Irons tricky. Even us humans need to be careful because our bodies can't just rid itself of iron naturally. Learn something new everyday 😊🧡
Just found your channel & you've been very helpful. I just started attracting hummingbirds & just love'm. I'm in the northeast so it's the ruby-throated species I'm enjoying. Thanks!
Beautiful. I'm new to attracting hummingbirds as well, I've always adored them! I'm curious what kind are in Michigan where I am?! I should do some research but if anyone knows I'd love to hear!
@@AlexandraG_ you will have Ruby Throated Hummingbirds. The best kind! Lol. There beautiful and you will be able to tell the difference between the male and female very easily! They arrive in the Spring when returning from migration. Usually around the first of May.. They stay until Oct or so when they migrate many miles away. They come back to the same feeders each year. If the tiny little things make it after traveling thousands of miles. Good luck.
@@twohassles43 oh beautiful! Thank you so much for your help. Im very excited to feed them and watch them such beautiful creatures! I appreciate the information have a wonderful night.
Nice story about the iron - good to know. My hummingbirds have stayed healthy so far. I'm in Arizona and I have visited the hummingbird exhibit near Tucson.
We were using the store bought stuff and the hummingbirds stop coming so we started making our own with sugar and man o man they love it!! So happy we found out they like homemade better
I just put up 2 feeders on the front porch & educated myself on how to prepare the nectar. Didn't take long at all to get their attention. I love to watch them go for it. They're amazing creatures! Thankyou for your information about caring for these little beauties. I'll continue tuning in.
My wife watches you religiously (and I always enjoy watching when she pulls up your channel) so I knew this was the video to click on for a reliable hummingbird nectar recipe!
What good info. Plain, experienced. Easy to follow. I had to come watch this again because I forgot the recipe! But my lone female that I started with is now 2. I've seen another female but no male. But one of the females is on her nest. I can actually see it from my hoop house! An extra treat for me. Thanks again.
Thanks for the advice. We tend to make a higher sugar ratio that 1:5. We did try honey at first and got severe clouding after one day in the hot Arizona sun. I got the idea of adding citric acid, just a pinch, as a preservative and it worked like a charm. We switched to much cheaper sugar and still add the citric acid just in case.
This is the best info I've read/heard/watched so far, on what to feed hummingbirds, and why -- there seems to be a lot of authoritative "knowledge" being passed around that honestly could almost, more accurately just be called "gossip". I really appreciated how you nailed down the details about "less processed"/"more natural" sugar by citing the background info on how they figured out the iron issue -- I hadn't heard about the incident at the Arizona Senora Desert Museum before now. The details confirming the advice against honey-water was also helpful and informative. And I *especially* liked the segment earlier in the video, where you recounted how you conducted a *proper* experiment to compare cane versus beet sugar. It might or might not be definitive, -- but repeated, randomized, side-by-side trials, with an objective result? I clicked that Subscribe button on the spot! (Last month I saw a somewhat similar youtube "experiment" on feeding hummingbirds, where some guy just set up a feeder on each end of his porch for a few days, and found the one on the left end was better than the one at the right end -- didn't swap them around or anything. I don't even recall anymore just what he thought he'd proved.) Lastly, a question: Have you done any segments on how long sugar solution remains good/safe in a feeder, at different temperatures (or at least at higher temperatures)? I've heard that the sugar concentration is also a factor, but solid numbers on standard 4:1 mixture would be nice to have. (And I'm Canadian, so I can handle such data in metric or American ;-) if you have either.)
Thank you for your kind words. I have not done this temperature experiment nor have I ever found any data. This is really hard to do and I wish I could convince some agricultural school to do this experiment. But so far there have been no studies that have measured bacterial (or mold) content in a concentrated sugar solution measured over 1, 2, 3, 4 and whatever number of days over varying temperatures: 60 to 95 degrees. People who say "If it is only 75 degrees you can leave it for three or whatever days are basing that on "gossip" (the word you used). All of that is made up and not backed by science. Bottom line: if it is hot outside, change the food daily. People say it makes a difference if your feeder is in the shade. Well, park your car in the shade and sit inside of it for awhile with an outside temperature of 80 degrees. I will get off the soapbox now.
Here in NV we also have the ruby throated hummers… all year long too. Been using pure cane natural sugar- hope that’s not the one with iron 🤦♀️…but I’ll switch it back to the white sugar just in case. Glad I saw this. I was actually looking to find out if hummingbirds can drink from orchids. I was going to put mine outside as a treat but I’ll wait until I have more info. Thanks for making these vids!
Excellent advice thank you..and since you used the aviary story as a source...it's just good solid information. Since I try not to consume so much sugar I was hoping there was an alternative for the feeders. Thank you for clearing that up for me...love your channel 🙏
Thank you very much for this info!! I just had a hummingbird fly into my garage and check things out. I've never had a feeder, and I'm drawn to do this, especially in the desert. It's SO DRY here.
Oh my God I'm gonna make you so jealous look at my little picture that's my little buddy that lands on me when I'm meditating the little guy will hangout with me for 5 to 10 Minutes at a time, It is such a beautiful experience if people could only understand It's all about peace love and light That little birdie knows that I'd rather die than hurt him. He comes to me when I'm playing my guitar and when I'm meditating such a beautiful thing I get all tearie eyed when I talk about it...
I have been feeding them for years. I go through a gallon every other day. I read that in addition to certain times for different concentrations, stronger concentration when they are returning in the spring. It’s a long trip for them, and they can use the extra energy. Insects aren’t plentiful when the earliest birds return in late April, and it can still be pretty cold.I’m in Minnesota, we only see ruby throated birds here.
When I lived up in the Sierras, the hummingbirds would arrive in April when there was still snow on the ground. It always amazed me. I hung my feeders very early for them, but one day I saw one drinking from a hole left in one of my trees from a Sapsucker. The bird was eating the sugary sap. I wish I had gotten a picture of that!
Hummingbird Spot I’ve seen them twice in torpor, perched right on the feeder. Temps are often at or below freezing here in the mornings when they return. They are amazing little birds. Thank you so much for this site in TH-cam! I wish I would have found it sooner❤️❤️ Between you and Instagram, the long months until they return will pass quickly. They’ll be here a few more weeks, and are feeding heavily.
Thank you so much for correct information! Awesome video, I will definitely be coming back for any hummingbird questions I have as a new home owner/bird feeder. 🌼🌅☀️🌷⚘😊
I just subscribed! Loved the thorough explanation of sugar! I currently have 10 feeders and I noticed a BIG difference when I switched to cane sugar. I even had a pair of hooded Orioles who raised a clutch of 3 and brought them to my yard!!!! They still appear, not sure when they will migrate from here in Citrus Heights, California and head south. What are your thoughts on this? Super happy to learn that if I had to use beet sugar they will be ok and tweaking the the ratio for nesting moms or super hot temps! Great information thank you
I have lots of Hooded Orioles here also - you can see them on the live cam all the time! They will not stay, but will head south very soon and will be gone in September. That is at least if they follow the pattern of earlier years. Weather is getting crazy, so who knows?
Thanks ! I just bought some C&H Baker's Sugar and was wondering if it would be OK to feed my hummingbirds. I figured it would be better because it dissolves better. I only have one feeder, so this should work out fine. My hummingbirds thank you.
I love my hummingbirds, but I have an important question for you. I live in Texas, I call my hummingbirds my mini Air Force Unit. The reason for calling them that they don’t share the feeders at all. They will dive bomb each other. Why don’t they share the food and why do they keep dive bombing each other to keep them away from the feeder? I have Ruby Red Throat, which are the males and I have the females. I did several years ago have a beautiful Purple one, I had to call our Texas Wild Life, I had never seen one like that. I was told to take pictures and make sure it had plenty of food, well that was a no brained. I took photos and sent it to them. Later I was told that hummingbird was from South America, that they had an bad earthquake, they also asked me to keep them updated and when I no longer saw that hummingbird. Keep doing the great videos.
They are territorial and will fight to protect their food source. Check out my videos about solving territorial problems and follow the tips in my "Attracting Hummingbird" series, especially the one about provided perches near your feeders.
Thank you for this video I needed this. I live in Louisiana we have some hummingbirds,not a lot right now but thank you for the info keep up the good work.👍👍😘❤️😊🌹🌸🌟
Yes. The natural flowers do have sugar. But it's not the same as processed cane sugar. The effects of eating a banana which is quite high in natural sugar is quite different from the extreme glucose spike that processed sugar causes in the body...which can lead to diabetes. Yes children love candy and soda...doesn't mean it's good for them.. I wonder if there really has been enough research done on the effects of processed sugar on hummingbirds. How many of us feed bread to ducks....it was my mom's favorite thing to do..but was it good for the birds. Don't take this wrong...I love what you do...especially I admire that you travel to so many countries photographing these beautiful hummingbirds..I hope you add many many more to your list 💖
I didn't know about the 5:1 for the summer. Do you store any extra in the refrigerator? How long can it be stored? Thanks so much for all the time you put into these great videos.
The 5:1 is not for all summer. Just specific days when it is extremely hot, like 90 - 100 degrees. I got this information from a recommendation by Sheri L. Williamson, the authority on hummingbirds in the US. Cornell calls HER when they have a question. Thanks for the kind words!
I envy you with the amount of hummer’s you have coming into feed. I have a pair or two. I live in N.E. Pa. And will be watching more of your videos. I enjoy feeding the hummers and I have 2 feeders out right now. Thank you for all the free info. Any books you recommend on Hummers?
I don't think I would bother if you are only going to have one day above 100 degrees, but consistent hot spell like they have in Arizona I would do it over 100 degrees.
Thank you, Carole, for your timely response ❤️ I care about my birds very much and am so very happy to have come across your channel! We are having a heat wave this weekend in Sacramento. 102, 111, 109, 105,... I adjusted the ratio today on all ten feeders. Btw, you were spot on about the Orioles! The last one I observed was August 28th. Oh, I sure hope they return in the spring!! Loving your videos of your travels and quest to see every hummingbird!
@@nickivanaltena923: Bless you in Arizona! Stay safe in that heat. Thank you for feeding the hummers out there, I’m doing it here in Alabama and love them so much.
Thank you. Live in SOCAL (San Clemente 92672) to be more precise . Just purchased many blooming plants which attract HB, and 4 feeders. Will also build/ construct a few to see how well they work. 4:1 water to sugar is what I'll try. Thanks for the vid. Guess I'm heading back out to buy a 50 lb bag.....
I do not boil it. It doesn't hurt anything if you do, but there is no reason to. Sugar dissolves in any temperature water and there is no more chlorine in the water supply to boil off. The chemical they use now is chloramine and that doesn't gas off when you boil the water. Boiling is simply a waste of energy.
You maintain a great channel, I have learned a lot. I have a question. When you say 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, I don't know what 1 part sugar is. Is that a table spoon full of sugar to 4 table spoons of water? Thanks!
Been feeding other birds for yrs, but I’m new to hummingbirds. I only put very small amounts in my feeder then change it frequently (hot & humid days right now). I’ve been buying the powder mix from the bird store but I’d like to make a batch of sugar nectar & keep in fridge. How long would it keep in fridge?
Excellent, easy to follow instruction. Thanks for sharing your experience and info. I am visiting and a staying in Studio City (foothills Vineland/Wrightwood). There is a wall of Morning Glory vine that the hummers visit. Your DIY info for ant moat and bee water dish are very helpful. Just curious, that's a lot of sugar . . . . how do you store it and how do you keep the ants away from it? thank you
Borax powder will stop ants and other insects. Just put it where you see them and try to keep it out of sight if you have infants or toddlers, it is an irritant. But a bit will stop the pests and prevent more. Also check for possible sources of water. One morning when I started to make our coffee, I discovered ants had somehow captured our Brita Water Filter/ Pitcher. Some were in the water, others were scurrying back and forth with loads of water,! We cleaned them out and that’s when I learned to use borax. I put it in a plastic catsup or mustard squirt bottle so I can get it under the thresholds windowsills, etc. It works! Also wipe a bit of marine grease or cooking oil on the hummingbird hanging links.
@@e.conboy4286 - thanks! I have 20 mule team borax, it's a staple in my laundry room. I also use diatomaceous earth. It's effective against any insect that has an exoskeleton
O M GOODNESS ty for telling us about the sugar !!!! bc I’m an all organic shopper and would’ve ABSOLUTELY bought raw organic cane sugar!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel so much better knowing these facts! I can’t imagine how many people unintentionally kill hummingbirds 😞🥺
Hey, please tell people to AVOID red-colored hummingbird food (red #40). The amount used in this feed is 12 X the concentration shown to cause cancer in lab mice!! read the article "Red Food Coloring and Hummingbirds" by Julie Zickefoose
I am looking at your channel today and wondering how you make the nectar. I have been taking filtered boiling water and putting 4 cups in a glass measuring cup and then adding a cup of sugar which quickly dissolves and then putting it in the refrigerator covered to cool down. I see some people boil the sugar water, and I am wondering if that is necessary? Thanks.
It is not necessary to boil the water at all. It is a waste of energy. Put 4 cups of water in a clean gallon jug, add the sugar and shake it. The kinetic energy will quickly dissolve the sugar.
Hello! My first experience feeding humming birds. I have what I assume is a female hummer that buzzes me all the time! But this year has been NO rain and nothing is blooming. Really, nothing. I'm wondering where to put my feeder? We have very strong winds and so I was thinking of putting the feeder in my hoop house, since I have seen hummers in there and she has buzzed me when I'm working in there and the tree she is living in is near there. Can you think of any reason not to? Also, after watching your video, I decided to make my first batch of nectar 3:1 because, really, I'm afraid if I don't feed her she'll not survive, but plan to go to 4:1 after that. Thanks for any input! (Oh, just saw this is an old video so I'm not sure you'll notice it. So if you find it somewhere else it is just because I want it to be in a place that you'll see it.)
I can't get over just how curious and brave these little beauties are.
YOU, my dear, are the Hummingbird Whisperer! I just put my feeders out 10 minutes ago! I know I'm late, but I was reminded this morning while making coffee when a hummingbird twittered at my kitchen window and found nothing to eat! New subscriber here! I'm in the Deep South, and our temps haven't been out of the 70s yet, but we've got 80s and even 90s coming in this weekend. We NEVER ease into summer!
Thx for this video. We feed our Anna's hummingbirds year round. They stay through the winter. When it starts freezing outside we switch to 3 to 1 throughout the freeze as the higher concentration gives it a lower freezing point.
I've looked at a bunch of videos over the last few days for information about the right mixture for hummingbird food. Yours is the best, it is clear, simple and precise. I especially like the way you explain how it might be prudent to make the mixture a bit rich sometimes, but it's not required considering different flowers have different content of sugar. So easy to understand. My search for a good recipe is OVER, thanks to YOU, dear girl! Thank you, now I can actually enjoy the birds.
Onlyba quarter cup per cup of water nothing more or less !!!!
I love this. People are so interesting 🤔, and so influenced by marketing.
Thank you, doctor, as always for your hummingbird PSAs. You’re wonderful.
Thank you very much!
So today it was almost 90 here. It rained a little and I noticed one of the female Rufous was sipping the rain water from the copper thing above the seed feeders, now I know why. Great video. Well done video. Thank you. Love your sweet Fillmore.
Thanks. Yes, they drink plain water when they need it!
Have always used the 4:1 ratio. But after just watching this from 115f Arizona :) - we’ll up it to a 5:1 ratio - at least until our hot summer ends. Thanks for the great information!
Your hummingbirds will appreciate the extra water!
Thank you so much doctor, love my hummingbirds and want them to stay healthy, very appreciate
Bought some hummingbird feeders to encourage more to come to the yard and this was a great video to learn how to give them healthy food, thank you!
Thank you for the help my little friend came back and is now using the feeder i set up... I hear ppl doing wrong and killing them a lot so I had to find out and your way works great thanks again!!
First video of yours I've seen it yours, but I'm subscribing. Great info. You and Robbie are my two favorite hummingbird channels now!
Thanks
4:1 pure cane sugar, yes! I have no bee (or yellowjacket) activity at the feeder, though there are plenty of the former at the palo verde tree a few feet away.
Thank you so much for making this video! I think this is an extremely important topic that all hummingbird enthusiasts should know👍. This kind of video will directly effect birds in a great way! Keep up the wonderful videos! 😁
Thanks, Wyatt!
I'm so glad you did a video on this. I too use the plain white sugar. That's interesting about the overload of iron with the raw sugar. Irons tricky. Even us humans need to be careful because our bodies can't just rid itself of iron naturally. Learn something new everyday 😊🧡
Yes it is true for us also, but hummingbirds are so tiny they can get iron overload really easily.
Thank you for explaining the reasons to use the white sugar.
I just discovered your website and I really love it. I enjoy all the hummingbirds. They give me so much peace
These are the best, most informative, videos. Thank you for explaining and sharing!!
Thank you so much!
Just found your channel & you've been very helpful. I just started attracting hummingbirds & just love'm. I'm in the northeast so it's the ruby-throated species I'm enjoying. Thanks!
Thanks! Welcome to the world of hummingbird lovers!
Beautiful. I'm new to attracting hummingbirds as well, I've always adored them! I'm curious what kind are in Michigan where I am?! I should do some research but if anyone knows I'd love to hear!
@@AlexandraG_ you will have Ruby Throated Hummingbirds. The best kind! Lol. There beautiful and you will be able to tell the difference between the male and female very easily! They arrive in the Spring when returning from migration. Usually around the first of May.. They stay until Oct or so when they migrate many miles away. They come back to the same feeders each year. If the tiny little things make it after traveling thousands of miles. Good luck.
@@twohassles43 oh beautiful! Thank you so much for your help. Im very excited to feed them and watch them such beautiful creatures! I appreciate the information have a wonderful night.
Nice story about the iron - good to know. My hummingbirds have stayed healthy so far. I'm in Arizona and I have visited the hummingbird exhibit near Tucson.
We were using the store bought stuff and the hummingbirds stop coming so we started making our own with sugar and man o man they love it!! So happy we found out they like homemade better
Spread the word!!
@@HummingbirdSpot I definitely will
I just put up 2 feeders on the front porch & educated myself on how to prepare the nectar. Didn't take long at all to get their attention. I love to watch them go for it. They're amazing creatures! Thankyou for your information about caring for these little beauties. I'll continue tuning in.
Fantastic video! Thank-you!
Thanks!
I've been using the cane sugar you showed with the pink and white bag thanks for the video they love it and come back every day
Some no nonsense information that I've been craving! Thank you so much!
My wife watches you religiously (and I always enjoy watching when she pulls up your channel) so I knew this was the video to click on for a reliable hummingbird nectar recipe!
What good info. Plain, experienced. Easy to follow. I had to come watch this again because I forgot the recipe! But my lone female that I started with is now 2. I've seen another female but no male. But one of the females is on her nest. I can actually see it from my hoop house! An extra treat for me. Thanks again.
Lucky you!
Thanks for the advice. We tend to make a higher sugar ratio that 1:5. We did try honey at first and got severe clouding after one day in the hot Arizona sun. I got the idea of adding citric acid, just a pinch, as a preservative and it worked like a charm. We switched to much cheaper sugar and still add the citric acid just in case.
Very informative and helpful presentation. Thank you!
Thanks Carol:)) Love my hummingbirds and love your videos- very informative!!
Thanks Carole, it seems to me this was made for me!
I'm so happy to help!
This is the best info I've read/heard/watched so far, on what to feed hummingbirds, and why -- there seems to be a lot of authoritative "knowledge" being passed around that honestly could almost, more accurately just be called "gossip".
I really appreciated how you nailed down the details about "less processed"/"more natural" sugar by citing the background info on how they figured out the iron issue -- I hadn't heard about the incident at the Arizona Senora Desert Museum before now. The details confirming the advice against honey-water was also helpful and informative.
And I *especially* liked the segment earlier in the video, where you recounted how you conducted a *proper* experiment to compare cane versus beet sugar. It might or might not be definitive, -- but repeated, randomized, side-by-side trials, with an objective result? I clicked that Subscribe button on the spot!
(Last month I saw a somewhat similar youtube "experiment" on feeding hummingbirds, where some guy just set up a feeder on each end of his porch for a few days, and found the one on the left end was better than the one at the right end -- didn't swap them around or anything. I don't even recall anymore just what he thought he'd proved.)
Lastly, a question:
Have you done any segments on how long sugar solution remains good/safe in a feeder, at different temperatures (or at least at higher temperatures)? I've heard that the sugar concentration is also a factor, but solid numbers on standard 4:1 mixture would be nice to have. (And I'm Canadian, so I can handle such data in metric or American ;-) if you have either.)
Thank you for your kind words. I have not done this temperature experiment nor have I ever found any data. This is really hard to do and I wish I could convince some agricultural school to do this experiment. But so far there have been no studies that have measured bacterial (or mold) content in a concentrated sugar solution measured over 1, 2, 3, 4 and whatever number of days over varying temperatures: 60 to 95 degrees. People who say "If it is only 75 degrees you can leave it for three or whatever days are basing that on "gossip" (the word you used). All of that is made up and not backed by science. Bottom line: if it is hot outside, change the food daily. People say it makes a difference if your feeder is in the shade. Well, park your car in the shade and sit inside of it for awhile with an outside temperature of 80 degrees. I will get off the soapbox now.
That is very helpful sweet lady. I needed to know these things. Thank you.
Here in NV we also have the ruby throated hummers… all year long too. Been using pure cane natural sugar- hope that’s not the one with iron 🤦♀️…but I’ll switch it back to the white sugar just in case. Glad I saw this. I was actually looking to find out if hummingbirds can drink from orchids. I was going to put mine outside as a treat but I’ll wait until I have more info. Thanks for making these vids!
Excellent advice thank you..and since you used the aviary story as a source...it's just good solid information. Since I try not to consume so much sugar I was hoping there was an alternative for the feeders. Thank you for clearing that up for me...love your channel 🙏
This information is really important to know if you're going to be feeding hummingbirds.
And thanks for showing us Fillmore; he looks sweet!
I'm glad we had this talk
Thank you very much for this info!! I just had a hummingbird fly into my garage and check things out. I've never had a feeder, and I'm drawn to do this, especially in the desert. It's SO DRY here.
Great video! Very informative and concise. Thank you for sharing all your wisdom with this 'newbie'.
Oh my God I'm gonna make you so jealous look at my little picture that's my little buddy that lands on me when I'm meditating the little guy will hangout with me for 5 to 10 Minutes at a time, It is such a beautiful experience if people could only understand It's all about peace love and light That little birdie knows that I'd rather die than hurt him. He comes to me when I'm playing my guitar and when I'm meditating such a beautiful thing I get all tearie eyed when I talk about it...
I have been feeding them for years. I go through a gallon every other day. I read that in addition to certain times for different concentrations, stronger concentration when they are returning in the spring. It’s a long trip for them, and they can use the extra energy. Insects aren’t plentiful when the earliest birds return in late April, and it can still be pretty cold.I’m in Minnesota, we only see ruby throated birds here.
When I lived up in the Sierras, the hummingbirds would arrive in April when there was still snow on the ground. It always amazed me. I hung my feeders very early for them, but one day I saw one drinking from a hole left in one of my trees from a Sapsucker. The bird was eating the sugary sap. I wish I had gotten a picture of that!
Hummingbird Spot I’ve seen them twice in torpor, perched right on the feeder. Temps are often at or below freezing here in the mornings when they return. They are amazing little birds. Thank you so much for this site in TH-cam! I wish I would have found it sooner❤️❤️ Between you and Instagram, the long months until they return will pass quickly. They’ll be here a few more weeks, and are feeding heavily.
@@HummingbirdSpot. We have a maple which has been tapped by many birds through the years, I’ll watch for hummers now. Thanks.
This is super helpful, thank you!
Thank you so much for correct information! Awesome video, I will definitely be coming back for any hummingbird questions I have as a new home owner/bird feeder. 🌼🌅☀️🌷⚘😊
I just happened upon your channel and I am hooked! Thank you for your great content and I hope to see many, many more videos!
I just subscribed! Loved the thorough explanation of sugar! I currently have 10 feeders and I noticed a BIG difference when I switched to cane sugar. I even had a pair of hooded Orioles who raised a clutch of 3 and brought them to my yard!!!! They still appear, not sure when they will migrate from here in Citrus Heights, California and head south. What are your thoughts on this? Super happy to learn that if I had to use beet sugar they will be ok and tweaking the the ratio for nesting moms or super hot temps! Great information thank you
I have lots of Hooded Orioles here also - you can see them on the live cam all the time! They will not stay, but will head south very soon and will be gone in September. That is at least if they follow the pattern of earlier years. Weather is getting crazy, so who knows?
Ty so much for subscribing. Welcome to the hummingbird family.
Thank you for the info! I've just been thinking about setting out feeders and such and I wanted to make sure I got the best I could find for them!
This information needs to be shared … Please Share !
Very good information. 👍 I use bakers sugar, but I only have one feeder.
Haha - can you imagine making eight gallons with this stuff?
I also didn't know that honey has yeast inside that's very interesting thank you
Sadly, yes. There are many different strains of yeast in there. And adding water activates it and it grows like crazy.
RO water plus cane sugar is the dope
John Batcheler John what is RO water?
@@mspoppy3918 Thanks Ms Poppy
Excellent video, thanks for posting, much appreciated. I love your great channel. New sub : )
Thank you!
Thanks ! I just bought some C&H Baker's Sugar and was wondering if it would be OK to feed my hummingbirds. I figured it would be better because it dissolves better. I only have one feeder, so this should work out fine. My hummingbirds thank you.
Perfectly fine!
Very useful information. Thank you. 🙌🏼
Thanks! Good to know I guess I need the raw sugar for the iron😅Also I might need to do the 5:1 ratio. It's been 105°F+ here 🌺🌻🌹🌸🌼
Your hummingbirds will thank you for the extra water. Just remember to switch it back when it cools down!
Thank you for sharing. Very educational
I love my hummingbirds, but I have an important question for you. I live in Texas, I call my hummingbirds my mini Air Force Unit. The reason for calling them that they don’t share the feeders at all. They will dive bomb each other. Why don’t they share the food and why do they keep dive bombing each other to keep them away from the feeder? I have Ruby Red Throat, which are the males and I have the females. I did several years ago have a beautiful Purple one, I had to call our Texas Wild Life, I had never seen one like that. I was told to take pictures and make sure it had plenty of food, well that was a no brained. I took photos and sent it to them. Later I was told that hummingbird was from South America, that they had an bad earthquake, they also asked me to keep them updated and when I no longer saw that hummingbird. Keep doing the great videos.
They are territorial and will fight to protect their food source. Check out my videos about solving territorial problems and follow the tips in my "Attracting Hummingbird" series, especially the one about provided perches near your feeders.
Really great information! Iron is also the preferred food of many dangerous bacteria so another reason not to include iron in feeders
Thank you for this video I needed this. I live in Louisiana we have some hummingbirds,not a lot right now but thank you for the info keep up the good work.👍👍😘❤️😊🌹🌸🌟
Thanks for the great infomation and your excellent clear explanation!
Such great information. Thank you.
If you haven't already, come to Trinidad and visit Yerette - Home of the Hummingbird. Its owner also photographs hummingbirds.
Yes. The natural flowers do have sugar. But it's not the same as processed cane sugar. The effects of eating a banana which is quite high in natural sugar is quite different from the extreme glucose spike that processed sugar causes in the body...which can lead to diabetes. Yes children love candy and soda...doesn't mean it's good for them.. I wonder if there really has been enough research done on the effects of processed sugar on hummingbirds. How many of us feed bread to ducks....it was my mom's favorite thing to do..but was it good for the birds. Don't take this wrong...I love what you do...especially I admire that you travel to so many countries photographing these beautiful hummingbirds..I hope you add many many more to your list 💖
I didn't know about the 5:1 for the summer. Do you store any extra in the refrigerator? How long can it be stored? Thanks so much for all the time you put into these great videos.
The 5:1 is not for all summer. Just specific days when it is extremely hot, like 90 - 100 degrees. I got this information from a recommendation by Sheri L. Williamson, the authority on hummingbirds in the US. Cornell calls HER when they have a question. Thanks for the kind words!
@@HummingbirdSpot thanks for enlightening us. Love your bird!
Thanks for the Arizona study info... great info. 🙏🏼
I've always just used Lantic Fine Granulated sugar...
Thanks for bringing on lovely Fillmore at the end! I was curious about the source of the background noise. Is he a talker as well?
He never shuts up, haha!
Never shuts up, haha.
Nice video, thanks for the advice. Nice 🦜 parrot. 😘
Thanks! Fillmore has been with me for 29 years!
Hummingbird Spot WOW! long time. 😘
Looooved your video so educational ❤
Thank you for the valuable info.
Thank you for the advise info on Arizona 5 to 1.
thank you
I envy you with the amount of hummer’s you have coming into feed. I have a pair or two. I live in N.E. Pa. And will be watching more of your videos. I enjoy feeding the hummers and I have 2 feeders out right now. Thank you for all the free info. Any books you recommend on Hummers?
Sheri L. Williamson's "Peterson Guide to the Hummingbirds of North America."
Thank you so much for your knowledge sharing video. It was very helpful. :-)
Ill take that honey
It's great! I get it at the local farmer's market.
Me too, but please don’t give it to the birds! 😊
@@heatherway25 we are way past that. It was in the video right?
New Subbie!! I just love Filmore!! 🕊️ That was my Dad's name! Love your channel!❤️
Great video.
Very informative.
Thank You, Carol.🌺🕊
-Ojai, California.
Hi Carole. I’m in Texas and I’m not sure if they need a four to one ratio or theee to one. Can you help?
I would keep it 4:1.
I was raised in Belle Glade Florida next to many cane mills. I love cane sugar white and raw
Ty!! Great video!! Awe your birdie is sooo cute too!
Fillmore likes to be center stage!
Thank you for this information. Is it necessary to boil the water for the nectar?
No need to boil it.
Thank you so much for the smart content🤘🏻🏁
Hi Carole! What do you consider high enough temperatures for changing the ratio to 5 to 1 ?
I don't think I would bother if you are only going to have one day above 100 degrees, but consistent hot spell like they have in Arizona I would do it over 100 degrees.
Thank you, Carole, for your timely response ❤️ I care about my birds very much and am so very happy to have come across your channel! We are having a heat wave this weekend in Sacramento. 102, 111, 109, 105,...
I adjusted the ratio today on all ten feeders. Btw, you were spot on about the Orioles! The last one I observed was August 28th. Oh, I sure hope they return in the spring!! Loving your videos of your travels and quest to see every hummingbird!
@@nickivanaltena923: Bless you in Arizona! Stay safe in that heat. Thank you for feeding the hummers out there, I’m doing it here in Alabama and love them so much.
Thank u for this!
Nice information.
A congo💖💖💖💕so nice, you are so blessed
Thank you. Live in SOCAL (San Clemente 92672) to be more precise . Just purchased many blooming plants which attract HB, and 4 feeders. Will also build/ construct a few to see how well they work.
4:1 water to sugar is what I'll try.
Thanks for the vid.
Guess I'm heading back out to buy a 50 lb bag.....
Do you boil the mixture?
You can but you don't have to
I do not boil it. It doesn't hurt anything if you do, but there is no reason to. Sugar dissolves in any temperature water and there is no more chlorine in the water supply to boil off. The chemical they use now is chloramine and that doesn't gas off when you boil the water. Boiling is simply a waste of energy.
Im so glad you made this video, we have to get ppl away from red dye.
You maintain a great channel, I have learned a lot. I have a question. When you say 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, I don't know what 1 part sugar is. Is that a table spoon full of sugar to 4 table spoons of water? Thanks!
One cup sugar to four cups water. Or one half cup sugar to two cups water.
Been feeding other birds for yrs, but I’m new to hummingbirds. I only put very small amounts in my feeder then change it frequently (hot & humid days right now). I’ve been buying the powder mix from the bird store but I’d like to make a batch of sugar nectar & keep in fridge. How long would it keep in fridge?
A week is ok.
Philmore is too cool
Thank you so much, beautiful lady...and parrot 😁
Excellent, easy to follow instruction. Thanks for sharing your experience and info. I am visiting and a staying in Studio City (foothills Vineland/Wrightwood). There is a wall of Morning Glory vine that the hummers visit. Your DIY info for ant moat and bee water dish are very helpful. Just curious, that's a lot of sugar . . . . how do you store it and how do you keep the ants away from it? thank you
I buy it in 25 lb. bags - I have 175 lbs. right now in the hall closet. I don't get ants in the house thank goodness!
Borax powder will stop ants and other insects. Just put it where you see them and try to keep it out of sight if you have infants or toddlers, it is an irritant. But a bit will stop the pests and prevent more. Also check for possible sources of water. One morning when I started to make our coffee, I discovered ants had somehow captured our Brita Water Filter/ Pitcher. Some were in the water, others were scurrying back and forth with loads of water,! We cleaned them out and that’s when I learned to use borax. I put it in a plastic catsup or mustard squirt bottle so I can get it under the thresholds windowsills, etc. It works!
Also wipe a bit of marine grease or cooking oil on the hummingbird hanging links.
@@e.conboy4286 - thanks! I have 20 mule team borax, it's a staple in my laundry room. I also use diatomaceous earth. It's effective against any insect that has an exoskeleton
So good to know thank you for sharing
O M GOODNESS ty for telling us about the sugar !!!! bc I’m an all organic shopper and would’ve ABSOLUTELY bought raw organic cane sugar!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel so much better knowing these facts! I can’t imagine how many people unintentionally kill hummingbirds 😞🥺
Hey, please tell people to AVOID red-colored hummingbird food (red #40). The amount used in this feed is 12 X the concentration shown to cause cancer in lab mice!! read the article "Red Food Coloring and Hummingbirds" by Julie Zickefoose
Great info
I loved your video! Can you tell people that it isn’t necessary to add red dye to hummingbird food?
thanks for the great info!
I am looking at your channel today and wondering how you make the nectar. I have been taking filtered boiling water and putting 4 cups in a glass measuring cup and then adding a cup of sugar which quickly dissolves and then putting it in the refrigerator covered to cool down. I see some people boil the sugar water, and I am wondering if that is necessary? Thanks.
It is not necessary to boil the water at all. It is a waste of energy. Put 4 cups of water in a clean gallon jug, add the sugar and shake it. The kinetic energy will quickly dissolve the sugar.
Should I fill a Aspects saucer feeders to the top?
You can because the lid is domed. But I can't carry it without spilling that way. Maybe you can!
Hello! My first experience feeding humming birds. I have what I assume is a female hummer that buzzes me all the time! But this year has been NO rain and nothing is blooming. Really, nothing. I'm wondering where to put my feeder? We have very strong winds and so I was thinking of putting the feeder in my hoop house, since I have seen hummers in there and she has buzzed me when I'm working in there and the tree she is living in is near there. Can you think of any reason not to? Also, after watching your video, I decided to make my first batch of nectar 3:1 because, really, I'm afraid if I don't feed her she'll not survive, but plan to go to 4:1 after that. Thanks for any input! (Oh, just saw this is an old video so I'm not sure you'll notice it. So if you find it somewhere else it is just because I want it to be in a place that you'll see it.)
Do put up your feeder, you’ll be surprised at how many other hummers will come!