Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

They're curious and eager in early spring.

Brilliant, winged beggars actually peer in my kitchen windows. 

They're looking for me, demanding attention. 

The earliest hummingbirds seem to prompt, "Hey—feed us!"

As spring grows older they grow bolder, sipping sugar no matter who's nearby.

We have deep-summer memories of laying under the hummingbird feeder, 

watching them joust through the heat and into the dusk.

In late August, their feeding becomes frantic, they guard and defend.
 The nectar wars begin ... 

... and this guy always wins.

Some tips for feeding hummingbirds: 

* Hang the feeder in the open where it's easily found. 
Near a flower bed or container garden is ideal.

* I use Miss Helen's simple recipe: 

1 cup water + 1/4 cup sugar. No need to boil, just stir until the 

sugar is completely dissolved. 

* Keep the feeder clean. Before you refill it, empty it and scrub it. 
Make sure to rinse away any soap residue. 

* Make it impossible for ants to ruin your feeder by using an ant moat. 

It's the easiest and cleanest way to keep ants away from the nectar.

Do you feed hummingbirds? 
I'd love to hear your stories and comments. 
Meanwhile, enjoy this and this. 
And you must see this.