Hummingbirds are real-life fairies, precious and
fragile. Although hummingbirds are primarily insectivorous, they also
feed from the sweet nectar of tubular wildflowers. The flowers evolved
their tubular shape to accommodate the birds for the benefit of
pollination.
Feeding hummingbirds and watching their endless
feats of aerial prowess can be a special treat.
However, feeding hummingbirds must be done
responsibly.
Make sure you thoroughly clean your feeders every
two or three days. Clean by scrubbing with scalding hot water or
distilled vinegar to sterilize.
Don’t put more solution in the feeder than
the birds can drink in two to three days. That way you won’t
waste as much.
Put several feeders around your house so the birds
don’t have to compete. Certain species are very territorial and
do not understand that there is plenty to go around.
I part white sugar (refined only) to 4 or 5 parts
water.
Boil the solution of sugar and water for at least 2
minutes. Refrigerate and serve. Do not use red food coloring, which may
be toxic to the birds.
Grandfather Great Spirit,
Fill us with the Light.
Give us the strength to understand,
and the eyes to see.
Teach us to walk the soft
Earth
as relatives to all that live.
