Make Your Own Hummingbird Food

Spring is my favorite time of year for SO many reasons, but one is that it's time for my hummingbirds to return!

Easy Hummingbird Food

In mid-March, I start checking out the Hummingbird migration map.  When I see they are just a day or two away according to the map, I know it's time to put my feeders out. I try and get the feeders out early so the hummingbirds don't fly right past and find somewhere else to hang out for the summer.

I make my own hummingbird food, rather than buy the packets which, by the way, contain red food dyes for no reason. My hummingbird food mixture is simple and quick. Boil 2 cups of water and add 1/2 cup sugar, stir until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved. Let the mix cool completely before putting it in your feeders.

I go through quite a lot of this food (I have three feeders ), so I mix it up in a
2 quart mason jar and store any leftover in the refrigerator. Whenever you make a larger batch, just make sure to keep the sugar/water ratio at 1:4 - one part sugar to four parts water.

Last year I had a very very friendly ruby-throated hummingbird in the yard all summer. When I sat out on the deck, he got comfortable enough to come within a foot or two of me. I'm hoping we'll become even better friends this year!

Life is good! Enjoy it more by bringing hummingbirds to your yard!