Despite weighing less than half an ounce, ruby-throated hummingbirds make an astonishing accomplishment each year. Many fly thousands of miles from the Gulf of Mexico to New England each spring, stay through the summer, then migrate back to the tropics at the beginning of our autumn season.
As we welcome back these tiny, squeaky, and dangerously cute migratory birds, here’s a quick refresher on how to keep hummingbirds safe, healthy, and happily fueled through the season:
🌺 For homemade nectar, mix 1 part plain refined white sugar with 4 parts water. This simple recipe most closely matches the natural nectar found in flowers. Skip the red dye and pre-made colored mixes—they’re unnecessary and may be harmful.
Change nectar every 2 days in hot weather (75°F+), and every 3–4 days when cooler—spoiled nectar can be fatal for hummingbirds.🌺 Give feeders a good cleaning between refills, especially during warm stretches when nectar spoils more quickly.
If you haven’t yet witnessed the grace of the hummingbird this season, come to BEEC and catch them zipping along our trails!
