I plant nectar-producing flowers each year in hopes of attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This has been a banner year for both. Our gardens are visited daily by dozens of butterflies and at least three to four hummingbirds.
We’ve noticed the tiny hummingbirds are the bravest birds in the yard. One hummer seems to know our habits, and when the feeder is removed for cleaning and refilling, he/she will hover near the kitchen window doing its best to prompt us to hurry and bring out the nectar.
I have mixed feelings about hummingbird feeders. If they are not cleaned and maintained daily, they can be lethal to hummingbirds. “Top-10 Hummingbird Nectar Mistakes”
I’ve been concerned over whether I should leave my feeder up through the Autumn months. I was glad to come upon this bit of information on the web:
Some people may be concerned that leaving a feeder up will prevent hummingbirds from migrating in the fall. This is a myth. Hummingbirds (and all migratory birds) have an internal “clock” that tells them when to migrate. No healthy hummingbird would ever stick around just because you’ve left your feeder up in the fall. ~Bird Watcher’s Digest
When the hummingbirds in my yard migrate, I know I will immediately begin to stream the Cornell Lab Hummingbird Cam, and find my hummingbird joy from their amazing live cameras. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy = Hummingbirds
MINDING MY P'S WITH Q 
PQ’s
We feed them here in Cali. They don’t seem thrilled for the store brand, they prefer and make sure its homemade.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I make my own too with four parts water to one part sugar. I love these little birds. I use white and raw sugar and they like both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve found that RED is just for show or, a myth. I keep my nutrient solution clear, they mind!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree…when I eat or drink too much red food coloring it makes me feel ill. The birds, small as they are, certainly don’t need it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So odd, everything is “humming birds” today! My dad has a feeder and we talked about the 4:1 ratio because it was empty. Then grandma says she’s making some too, we talked about NO COLORING because it upsets them. In the end, I referred to your blog, ha!
LikeLike
Isn’t it funny how blogs work…I have changed aspects of my life, and added brand new things all because of blogs. 😀 Glad to be of help!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve found that RED is just for show or, a myth. I keep nutrient solution clear, they mind not!
LikeLiked by 1 person