4 Things to Know About Hummingbird Feeders

Use a 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio Mix one part white sugar to four parts water. Boil, cool, and fill. No red dye, no honey, no artificial sweeteners — honey ferments and dye is unnecessary.

Put the feeder out early Set it out before flowers bloom, typically late March or early April. Early migrants, usually male ruby-throats, arrive hungry and tired. A ready feeder makes them return all season.

Clean the feeder often In warm weather, clean it every few days. Mold kills hummingbirds fast.

Skip store-bought nectar Plain sugar water costs pennies and works exactly the same as fancy commercial nectars.