Feeding the Hummingbirds and Orioles

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Growing up, My mom loved watching the hummingbirds, so we always had a feeder out. I grew fascinated with them, so when I got my house, I had to get a feeder. I had hostas and when they flowered in the late summer, the hummingbirds would go from the feeder to the flowers. It was so much fun watching them pollinate my flowers!

Growing up, my mom used to buy that red mix that we know isn't safe for them, so now we make a sugar water mix. The ratio is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. (Meaning 1 cup of sugar and 4 cups water.) I bought a red glass feeder to remind me of my childhood memories with mom. 

My feeder holds 2 cups, so i make 2 cups of water to a half cup of sugar. 

Boil the water, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves (you wont be able to see the sugar granules) Let cool and pour into your feeder. 

I put my feeder out about half full in may until I start seeing them, then I fill it on up. 
The downside to having a hummingbird feeder is the ants always seem to find it, so I change the water about once a week so it doesn't get too nasty from the ants.

For a short time, the Orioles were also visiting the feeder. They don't stick around long here, but I love watching and listening to them also, so I cut up oranges for them. I know others who feed them grape jelly, but I have some oranges on hand that I don't mind sharing. 

Enjoy watching these fascinating birds!

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