Placing hummingbird feeders in the backyard attracts not only hummingbirds but also hooded Orioles. Hummingbird feeders are used as a supplement for the hummers’ diet when the flower blossoms have run out of natural nectar.
Hummingbird Feeders for Backyard Enjoyment
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Volkov]Barbara Volkov
Hummingbird feeders can be placed almost anywhere in your backyard garden or living space. Hummingbird feeders will attract hummers during the warmer season as they are migratory birds. Some areas of the country they can be left out all year but other areas such as the Northern United States you probably will not see any hummingbirds until late in May. These feeders will not only attract hummers but other pointed billed birds as well such as the hooded Oriole.
If you have hung your feeders and you do not think any hummingbirds have visited you may want to try a few other suggestions to get the birds to visit your backyard. Most feeders that you can purchase will have sections that have a red color, if you feel that is not enough you can hang a red ribbon on the feeder. Another sure way is to plant flowers you think would attract them, once they are visiting these flowers they will discover the feeder and when the blossoms die out they will visit the feeder more often. One of my feeders is hanging under a Jacaranda tree which blooms purple trumpet shape flowers in late spring and early summer. They not only drink from the flowers but the feeder also.
Hummingbirds prefer the natural nectar over what you can offer them in a feeder. The Eastern United States usually only has one type of hummingbird and that is the Ruby-throated. Other parts of the country also have other varieties but the Ruby-throated seems to be territorial in regards to the feeder. He feels he has discovered the feeder and it belongs to him alone and will chase away any other hummingbird that visits that feeder. They do not seem to defend the flowers as much as the feeder. It is quite fascinating to watch them. If you wish to see more hummingbirds you may want to hang 2 or 3 more feeders in areas of the garden that cannot be seen from the first feeder. If the original hummer can see the other feeders he will try to defend them as well.
The following list of shrubs and flowers will give you an idea as to what will attract the hummingbirds. These shrubs such as butterfly bush, azalea, flowering quince and honeysuckle have some of the flowers they enjoy. The flowers that they will enjoy include cardinal flower, begonia, coral-bells, columbine, fuchsia, flowering tobacco, geranium, impatiens, hollyhock, petunia and lantana. Even though hummingbirds are attracted to the color red these flowers can be of any color.
The extended bill of the hummingbird is meant for drinking the nectar from tubular flowers. Their bills can differ in size and shape but each one is capable of protecting a sensitive forked tongue. The hummingbird uses its tongue to lick the nectar, not to suck it, from flowers or hummingbird feeders 3 to 13 times each second. The fork section of the tongue creates a channel that draws up the nectar. Ninety percent of its diet depends on sugary rich nectar and the remaining ten percent consists of insects and pollen that will provide the protein nourish that is needed. Your backyard hummingbird feeders provide them with the nectar that is crucial for their survival because they need to double their body mass in the fall before migrating. [http://www.gardenersgardensupplies.com/hummingbird-feeders.html]Hummingbird feeders can be found in various sizes and shapes such as tubular, blossom feeders, pie shape and other designs. Some are equipped with perches for these birds to sit and feed. Hummers use an enormous amount of energy when they hover and would probably like to sit when they eat if possible. The shade is an excellent place to hang a feeder because it prevents fermentation of the nectar. You need to change the nectar before it gets cloudy which will probably be about twice a week during warm weather. If ants or bees happen to get into the solution use a little petroleum jelly smeared around the outside of the feeder ports for discouragement.
Hummingbird nectar is very easy to make by using 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. First boil the water over low heat, stir in the sugar then bring back to a boil and boil for two minutes. Boiling kills any mold spores but be careful not to over-boil. This solution needs to cool completely before adding to the feeder or storage in the refrigerator. Honey should not be used because it spoils easily and may cause harmful bacteria. Red food coloring also should not be used because it may be harmful to the birds. If you prefer not making your own mixture, instant hummingbird nectar can be purchased from any store that sells feeders.
Barbara has a couple of hummingbird feeders in the backyard garden that attracting hummers and orioles. Her website [http://www.GardenersGardenSupplies.com]Gardeners Garden Supplies has a number of articles pertaining to outdoor living, gardening and accessories so please come for a visit.
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