HUMMINGBIRD & ORIOLE FEEDING TIPS

Adult male Baltimore Oriole

As we eagerly await the return of hummingbirds and orioles, here are some tips and recommendations for the best, safest feeders, and accessories. 
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• The only safe ingredients for hummingbird food are white sugar and water. The best hummingbird food is made at home using four parts water to one part sugar. Bring water to a boil, remove from heat and immediately stir in sugar. Allow to cool completely before adding to feeders. (Boiling removes any impurities in sugar and helps any extra last longer in the refrigerator.)

 

• NO RED OR ORANGE DYE IN SUGAR WATER!
  
  
• Only a small amount (1/4 cup or less) of grape jelly each day. Think of it as a treat, NOT a meal.
  
  
• KEEP THE FEEDERS CLEAN! CLEAN! CLEAN!
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• Orange halves and grapes are excellent food for orioles and other birds! ​​

Adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

FEEDER RECOMMENDATIONS 

The feeders pictured are great because they're easy to fill, easy to clean, and the saucer-style discourages bees and wasps.

The Aspects HummZinger feeder includes a high view perch that invites hummingbirds to rest comfortably as they drink from any of four feeding ports while also offering an unobstructed view of the birds. Bright red cover attracts humming birds from a distance and is easily removed so the bowl can be cleaned quickly and thoroughly. Constructed of unbreakable polycarbonate. 4 feeding ports. (Click the image to purchase.)

This oriole feeder from Wild Birds Unlimited offers several feeding stations, includes jelly wells in the lid, and a place for an orange half. Orioles are especially attracted to citrus in the spring, and will seek out orange halves and grape jelly before shifting to a nectar diet. These feeders are easy to hang, dishwasher safe, and come with a limited lifetime guarantee. (Click the image to purchase.)

NO ANTS AT THIS BIRD FEEDING PICNIC 

Ants are a very important part of the natural food web. Many bird species, like Northern Flickers, feed on ants. But ants can be problematic at bird feeders that offer sweet things. A large ant moat is a vital addition to any feeder that offers something sweet. Hang the ant moat above the feeder and fill with water. (The feeder hangs from the loop in the bottom of the ant moat.) The water creates a barrier that ants can't cross. The larger size means it doesn't go dry as quickly.

The Duncraft Super Big Nectar Ant Guard holds three times more water than standard protectors or built-in ant moat traps. That means less maintenance. This high quality plastic nectar protector fits between your hummingbird feeder and your hanger and prevent ants from reaching your nectar, jelly or oranges. (Click the image to purchase.)

Remember: only feed birds if you're willing to be a kind and responsible host!