by Donna Lewis
It is getting hot every day now, so it is important to remember a few tips for our smallest bird friends. They need fresh water just like every living thing.
My hummers like to fly though a small sprinkler that I put out just for them every afternoon around 5:30 pm. I place it under a tree for shade and a sense of security. They cool down and get a bath at the same time. It’s fun to see them play.
We also need to remember that hot weather will make the sugar water ferment very fast. So, clean and put out new nectar in the feeders at least every 3 to 4 days. Sugar water should be 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
Native plants are actually the best food for them. They also like little bugs for protein. Their favorite plant here at my place is the Coral Honeysuckle I have on a fence. They spend more time drinking from its tubular flowers than drinking from the feeders.
Its good to place the feeders under some shade if you can. This keeps the sugar water from getting so hot.
Right now the males are doing their courtship dance. A high deep dive in a U shape pattern in front of a potential bride..
Ladies… you get to pick.
Nature Along the El Camino Real 