Friday, March 6, 2009

God is incredibly nice to me

He knows that I enjoy and appreciate simple things. He knows that they entertain me. So He provides simple things for me. Yesterday evening I was out on the front porch for just a few minutes. I'd hung some potted flowers the day before. Suddenly here comes a small hummingbird moth (a sphinx moth) eating the nectar from those flowers. It stayed for several minutes, and allowed me to get very close to watch it. What a treat! Thank You, God, for that experience. Here's a great video of a hummingbird moth in action.

Letter to the Editor

I sent a letter to the editor of our local paper in an attempt to educate people about hummingbirds. Many people incorrectly believe that they need "nectar" with red dye. Just the opposite is true. Some experts believe that red dye could actually harm hummingbirds. Just because something is safe for humans doesn't make it safe for animals. Take Tylenol, for example. It's okay for humans, but will kill a dog or cat.

The most widely accepted formula for creating a nectar that most resembles what the hummers find in flowers is this one: one part pure cane sugar to four parts water. You don't need to boil the water. You can heat it to make the sugar dissolve faster if you like. It will keep in your refrigerator for up to two weeks. Change the nectar in your feeder when it starts to look cloudy.

If you buy commercial nectar mix, you're wasting your money. Honestly!

Buy a clear feeder so you can keep an eye on the nectar, and make sure it has some red on it somewhere. A hummingbird can see a small amount of red from quite a distance. Clean the feeder at least once a month with bleach and water. Don't use soap or anything else that can leave residue on the feeder. Especially don't put the feeder in the dishwasher. Just a small amount of bleach mixed with water, rinse thoroughly, and refill.

Most bottle type feeders will drip. Bee guards just give the bees something to hang onto! Buy a bowl-type feeder if you can get one. I use the Best-1 feeder that I buy at the local grocery store. As long as the hummers are using it, it has never dripped, and bees and wasps can get to the nectar.

That's just the basics. Please go to this website to find out more about how to attract and feed hummingbirds and how to keep them healthy!!

BTW, I just sent the letter yesterday, so I don't expect to see it published until Wednesday, if it gets published.

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