MY FAVORITE FEEDER
After many years of feeding hummingbirds in Reston VA and now in Phoenix, my favorite feeder (above) is the Aspects brand HummZinger Mini feeder. I buy them online here. I have no relationship to these companies except as a satisfied customer.
The HummZinger Mini is my favorite feeder for several reasons:
1. It's a sturdy plastic feeder with a stable hanging mechanism, and its red top attracts hummingbirds.
2. It's easy to clean and fill; the red top pops up and off, so all the inner surfaces are accessible for cleaning and you don't need a special brush or other tool. I use only hot water (no soap!) and my hands or a clean paper towel for cleaning.
3. It has an all-around continuous perch that most hummers will use. This gives them a nice rest while feeding, and gives you a chance for a better view or photo.
The Mini model I prefer has three feeding ports and holds one cup of nectar. I like using several Mini feeders rather than one larger feeder, because I enjoy having feeders in multiple locations. Some hummingbirds are shy or territorial, while others quickly adapt to people being nearby. You can locate feeders accordingly.
The important things to remember are to keep the feeder clean and to check nectar daily for mold/spoilage, especially in hot/humid weather.
QUICK & EASY HUMMER NECTAR
There are many versions for making hummingbird nectar. This is my quick and easy method, which I've used regularly for years, and our hummingbirds seem to love it. The best part: it's ready to use immediately!
In a 2 cup microwaveable glass (pyrex type) measuring cup, mix together:
1 cup hot tap water
and
1/2 c. white granulated sugar
Stir.
Microwave for 1 minute on high, until sugar dissolves completely. (It doesn't need to boil*.)
Remove from microwave.
Carefully add sufficient ice cubes to bring the nectar level just over the 2 cup mark.
Stir to dissolve the ice.
It's ready to use!
Makes 2 cups nectar (2 Mini HummZingers' worth)
(If you don't need it all, you can refrigerate the extra for a few days, but beware if it gets cloudy or discolored; toss it and make fresh).
*Some recipes call for boiling the water and/or nectar, but if the water and ice you use is fit for human consumption, boiling isn't necessary.
