Hummingbird Food

I like to make my own hummingbird food...and leave out the food coloring...which is bad for the birds. Besides, I can make my own for a couple of pennies, and save the gas to go to the store. When you purchase a hummingbird feeder definitely get one with some red on it. That will attract the birds without the need for food coloring. Also, find one with a bee guard, a glass part for holding the food, and perches. The birds will land on the perches to drink, and you can see them more clearly without their wings flapping. Place the feeder outside a window to watch them. Choose one that you can get to easily...you'll need to refill the feeder 2 or 3 times a week during the height of the season. Make sure the feeder isn't within reach of cats. Hang the feeders out in the spring, and keep them out until after the first hard frost...to help birds who may be migrating south. Clean the feeder with hot soapy water everytime you change the food. Be especially diligent about cleaning any plastic parts, and the holes where the birds drink. This is where mold builds up. Use a bottle brush. Wipe the whole thing down with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide after washing....don't use bleach. Let sit about 10 minutes, then rinse with plain water.

Hummingbird Food
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups water

Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool completely before filling feeders. This will keep in the fridge, tightly covered, for a week....you could double the batch and keep it on hand for the busy season.