I just love being able to observe hummingbirds. So tiny, yet so feisty and full of energy! Their wings beat about 80 times per second and on average, their hearts beat 1260 times per minute. Who wouldn't love that kind of metabolism?
A few years ago my mother-in-law to be gave me a really cute hummingbird feeder and we loved being able to watch them on our porch. I recently unpacked the same feeder to post up at the new house and was very thankful for the hummingbird feed recipe that came along with the feeder!
This is what you'll need:
1 cup hot water
2 cups sugar
It really is that simple. You don't even have to boil the water. I just try and get the water as hot as I can from the tap and then throw the sugar in. I mix it up until clear in a measuring cup. A helpful tip: If the water starts to cool while you are mixing and the sugar isn't dissolving quickly, turn your hot water back on, tilt the measuring cup so a potion of the bottom of the cup is under the running water, and continue to stir. The heat from the outside of the cup will generally do the trick and you should have some fresh sugar water for your hummingbirds within 45 seconds or so.
What about color, you ask? Believe it or not color doesn't have anything to do with attracting them to the feeders. Why add it when you could give them something natural? I always go with clear, but if you absolutely must add color, go ahead.
My mother-in-law also reminds me to keep my feeder out until October. Even though it seems late, it will help feed the stragglers who have not yet migrated south.
Here's to you, happy hummingbirds!
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