Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

In most of the United States, hummingbirds have returned to their summer homes and breeding territories. You can attract and support hummingbirds on your property with a simple recipe of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Simply heat the mixture lightly and stir until the sugar dissolves, let it cool to room temperature, and then fill your feeders for hummingbirds to enjoy!

Here are more tips for feeding hummingbirds:

• Do not use red dye in hummingbird food!Research shows that red dye can cause liver damage and tumors in hummingbirds. Instead, choose brightly colored feeders that attract the birds with red or yellow displays.
• Make sure your nectar stays fresh and doesn't mold by replacing it every few days — more often in hotter weather.
• You can make larger batches of nectar and store it in your refrigerator for up to ten days and replenish your feeders in small amounts.
• Rinse your feeder in hot water with every refill and thoroughly clean it once a monthto prevent mold or bacteria growth.