How to Make Hummingbird Nectar

Several different flowers, such as clematis, fuchsias and impatients, will naturally attract hummingbirds to your garden. However, hanging a hummingbird feeder is another alternative. It may also be an easier way to observe the hummingbirds. It is very easy to make hummingbird nectar, thereby, eliminating the need for expensive store-bought nectars. Read on to learn how to make hummingbird nectar.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Table sugar
• Sauce pan with lid
• 2 liter soda bottle
• Hummingbird feeder
• Spoon for stirring

1. Mix four parts water to one part table sugar in a saucepan.

2. Heat the syrup and stir it while it is heating until all of the sugar is dissolved.

3. Bring the syrup to a boil then remove it from the heat.

4. Cover the saucepan with the lid and allow to the syrup to cool before using it or pouring it into the storage bottle.

5. Fill the hummingbird feeder with the cooled syrup.

6. Store any unused portion of the syrup in the refrigerator in a 2 liter soda bottle

Tips & Warnings

• Hummingbirds eat flower nectar for energy and bugs for protein. Flower nectar is 21 percent to 23 percent sucrose. Sucrose is equivalent to regular table sugar.
• Hummingbirds seem to be more attracted to red than to other colors. If your feeder does not have red on it, simply tie a piece of red ribbon to it.
• Do not use red food coloring. It is unnecessary and can harm the hummingbirds because they eat such a large amount of nectar.

Resources

• Source for information on attracting, watching, feeding and studying North American hummingbirds

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[jschiavoni]

on 7/9/2009 Standard mix is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water ... however in warmer climates or during extreme heat the little hummers will dehydrate quickly so the best mix is 1 part sugar to 5 parts water. Hummers still feed at flowers and get plenty of natural nectar to sustain their health. NEVER use food dye. To attract hummers simply tie anything red to the feeder like a red ribbon, red silk flower, etc. This advise comes from hummer expert Dan True of New Mexico. Check out his website at http://www.hummingbird-house.com Scroll to the bottom to see his list of books.