Hummingbirds

I am sure we are all busy getting our flower beds in order right now, anyway I am.   Each day when the Sun comes out, I tackle one of my flower beds.

Yesterdays bed was outside my French doors in my living room, that lead to our patio.   This is where I have a Dogwood tree, along with my Hummingbird and Finch feeders.

I start to monitor the Hummingbird Migration Map the beginning of April for my area.   Once I begin to see sightings a bit south of me in NW New Jersey, I put out my feeder.

This is the feeder I use.   I am in no way advising you to purchase this one.   However, it is easy to use, easy to clean and my hummers are always at it.  

I do not purchase nectar.   I use 1 cup of sugar to 4 cups of water.   Stir it constantly until the sugar melts and then refrigerate it.   I do not add red food coloring to it either, there are sites that will tell you that it may cause tumors in the hummers.   

 While it is cool outside, I will change the nectar once a week.   After it starts to warm up, I will change it religiously every 3 days.   Each time I change the nectar, I make sure I clean the feeder very well.

Hummers are very territorial.   We have witnessed their actions while sitting outside.   The chirping is LOUD, they will fly back and forth like a pendulum to ward off another Hummer.   And as territorial, they are tiny peaceful birds as well.  After they drink, they will fly to a bare Dogwood branch and sit there, clean themselves and then quietly fly away.

 I have had one hover over my head and then go to hover over my shoulder.  I have not experienced one landing on me, as yet.

Do you have any experiences to share about your Hummers?