HUMMINGBIRDS IN OUR GARDENS

HUMMINGBIRDS IN OUR GARDENS 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Phil Brown

Hummingbirds are a thrill to watch! 

Their brain is about the size of a BB. 
Their nest is constructed of plant down, spider webs, lichen & tree sap. 
They eat about every 10 minutes. 
Their long tongues aid in nectaring. 
Their hearts are larger proportionally to their body than any other bird or mammal.
The long, thin bill is specially designed for sipping nectar & is one of the most
distinctive features of these birds. 

Their diet consists of insects and nectar produced by many flowers.  The exact sugar
concentration of nectar from different flowers can vary. 

They love a nectar feeder filled with fresh sugar & water solution ~ no red dye please!

Simple Recipe:

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup  sugar

Directions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Allow sugar to dissolve and remove from heat.
  3. Let the nectar cool and then pour it into your feeder.
  4. Store remaining nectar in the refrigerator.

Here's the link to a recent Boston Globe article: