HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPE

Combine 1 CUP sugar with 4 CUPS water in a small saucepan. Heat to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar granules dissolve. Allow mixture to boil for 10 minutes. This will prevent mold spores from forming. Cool completely before adding to your feeders. Store extra nectar in your refrigerator.

HERE'S A FEW TIPS:

• Do not add food coloring! Use a colorful feeder and leave the nectar au natural. Although food coloring may be safe for humans, it hasn't been tested for birds.


• Do not use sugar substitutes (like Sweet 'n' Low, Splenda or Equal). Hummingbirds' bodies need actual sucrose--the substitutes could kill them. 


• Do not add extras, like honey, brown sugar or corn syrup. The simple recipe is perfect as is. Any additions could cause the nectar to ferment more quickly or harm the hummingbirds.


• Change the nectar weekly, or more often in warm temperatures. Yeasts like to feed on sugar, which can cause fermentation. This process won't turn the nectar to wine, but it could make hummingbirds sick.


• Store extra nectar in a closed container in the refrigerator. 
• Clean the hummingbird feeder each time when you refill it. Rinse well and dry to prevent mold growth.
• Bring the nectar to room temperature before adding the nectar to your cleaned & dried feeder. 
• Just sit back and enjoy your new hummingbird neighbors. They are such a joy to watch.

FALL (AUTUMN)

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons.

Fall is the season that proves change can be a wonderful thing. Here's the breakdown.

Autumn brings change in the form of better weather. The Fall brings us crisp, cool air, colorful scenary, and more sleep because we say 'goodbye' to daylight savings time by getting back our hour that daylight savings time borrowed. 

Here are some Sugar Maple trees from my home town. Enjoy this beautiful season. Suggestion: Take a drive, a walk, or a bike ride with your family and see the trees in your home town.

MAKE YOUR OWN BIRD BATH.

One way to attract birds to your back yard is by providing a bird bath so they can drink and bathe.
It's really easy to do.

Bird Bath Construction

 3 or 4 terra cotta pots glazed or unglazed. (If you purchase unglazed, you can choose whatever colors you want to decorate the terra cotta pots or you can leave them natural. Check with the sales person to make sure the paint is safe for the birds.)

1 large terra cotta saucer
1 small or medium terra cotta saucer
12- 20 colorful glass stones

Stack the terra cotta pots largest on bottom (see image).
Place the large saucer on top of the pots. Hot glue the smaller saucer to the larger saucer (refer to image). 

Place colorful glass stones in the bottom of the large saucer. You may want to eliminate this step if you have small children. Fill with water. Add few drops of vegetable oil or olive oil to prevent mosquitoes from laying there larvae in your brand new bird bath. Watch the birds have fun.

WELCOME BIRDS TO YOUR BACK YARD!

Male Cardinal splashing in bird bath

Birds are colorful, active, fun to watch, and they have specific wants and needs. To attract birds to your back yard follow these suggestions:

1) Birds need some type of cover: Trees, shrubs, bird houses and bushes are perfect places for birds to preen and rest. They also provide food and give the birds a place to nest.

2) Birds need water: Bird baths provide a place for birds to drink and bathe. (Make a homemade bird bath. See instructions in this blog.)

3) Birds need food: Feeders are available for you to purchase online or in stores.