April 2, 2021: Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
They are on their way! A frequent question – When should I put out my hummingbird feeder?
Our only breeding hummingbird is leaving Central America and heading North for the upcoming nesting season. The males arrive first to establish mating territory and defend feeders. Our feeders should go out around the middle of April. An easy mix of 1 cup sugar, 4 cups water will do! Make sure you boil the water, then add the sugar, as boiling keeps the mixture from spoiling. There is no need to use food coloring or store-bought feeder food. The glass Perky Pet feeder is one of my favorites.
Hummingbirds will enjoy the nectar of flowers that may include rhododendrons, petunias, and bee balm among others. Later in the season, we will see the hummers over in the garden area and around our flower plantings.
Dr. Bill Hilton Jr has been the Director of “Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project” and its website at http://www.rubythroat.org. Lots of interesting information can be found there.
Happy Birding!!