A Photo Journal Of Hummingbird Feeding
The Joy Of A Hummingbird Feeder
The giant red strawberry stands out like a sore thumb as it hangs in mid air just outside the dining room picture window. It actually is not attractive to see it there....at least not until it does it's job. Then the ugly plastic berry takes on new meaning and curiosity swarms around that berry for all it is worth. It does not go unnoticed. Everybody who sits down at the dining room table makes a remark the first time they see that big old berry.
"Do you have Hummingbirds?" is the regular comment said with excitement. "I want to see one", usually follows. I always tell them what is up with the Hummingbird feeder and what to expect. I have been watching that berry for three years now. I can more or less guess what will happen with it at any given time.
Most of my guests opt to sit and wait with anticipation. That is something I know a bit about too. I have waited and waited and tried my best to capture one of the marvelous little birds in action. The first year was mostly in vain. I was not adapted to the workings of my new camera back then.
Last year I got a few shots but was not aware of the habits of the bird in this part of the country. Hummingbirds are much more common out west and south than they are this far north. It makes my stalking for photos even more of a challenge. The third time a charm so they say. This being my third season for waiting and watching that big old berry has me learning and knowing much more than previously. Now I can almost predict what will happen with my big red strawberry shaped Hummingbird feeder.
Thought I would share some of the joys I find each day with this bright red attraction.
Keeping The Feeder Clean And Stocked
It is important to keep the Big Red Strawberry Feeder fresh. I take it down every few days and wash it real good with very hot water and dish soap. I make sure to rinse the feeder for several minutes to remove any soap residue that might make the Hummingbirds ill. Then I refill the feeder but only 1/3 of the way full because otherwise the nectar would spoil. I lived in Texas and there we had to fill the feeders on a daily basis because we had more visitors to the feeder. This is not the case here in Indiana.
I make the nectar from boiling water and sugar. I tried buying nectar but the local birds would not eat two different brands that were store purchased. It was a waste of my money and I missed out on the Hummingbirds both years I purchased what was advertised as "healthy" Hummingbird nectar. it said it had vitamins so I thought it would be better for the birds. Honest truth is the hummingbirds like the sugar water mixture just fine.
