Satan Cafe

It’s early in May a beautiful fairly warm day so I’ve decided to
enjoy it and sit on the front porch.

While relaxing in a rocking chair with my eyes closed, just
enjoying the sun and early warmth I begin to hear a sound off in
the distance.

At first it’s not recognizable, sounds almost like a hum from a
model airplane.

As it begins to get louder I’m beginning to think I know what
the source of this strange noise is.

I open my eyes and sure enough just as I thought there is a
small green colored Hummer hovering right at the edge of the
porch - coincidentally right where a feeder normally hangs - now
I’m not certain but he appears to be looking right at me like
he’s trying to tell me “Hey, I’m back, where’s the food”.

Every year it’s the same, they show up around Mothers Day and
every year I’m always a little surprised to see them and of
course not prepared.

Well so much for my relaxing afternoon, it’s time to get out the
feeders, clean them and make up some food then get them hung.

And so begins another season with these marvelous entertaining
little birds.

Attracting Hummingbirds:

Hummers have a good memory they can remember where to find food
sources from previous years. However in order for them to
remember your home you will first need to let them know about it.

There are two ways to accomplish this, first by planting or
hanging flowers that will attract them, second is to have an
additional food source such as a hanging feeder that you keep
filled with a syrup solution.

Flowers that have red to orange blossom colors are known to
attract them but they will visit any color if they discover
sufficient nectar.

Blossom shape is also important as this little birds beak is
long and tapered, so downward-hanging blossom - Honeysuckle is a
good example - are a favorite.

Several other varieties are as follows. These particular flowers
are geared for the Northeast - where I happen to live - so you
will want to check within your region for appropriate blooms.

Perennials: Bee Balm Salvia Foxglove Lilac Hollyhock
Forsythia

There are several Annuals that will also satisfy their little
palettes.

Fuchsia Impatiens Petunia

As these are favorites in the use of hanging baskets each summer
try hanging several around your home. The most common place of
course is on your front porch or on hooks around a deck or
patio; another idea is to hang some right from tree branches.
I’ve done this and not only do the Hummers like them; it also
adds color and interest out in the yard.

Putting Up A Feeder:

>From elaborately decorated glass to simple plastic there are
numerous types of feeders to choose from.

I will tell you from experience, I’ve used both - the decorated
one just because it was pretty, the Hummers really didn’t care -
and I ended up with a simple teardrop shaped clear glass
container with perches around the base, it was easy to tell when
the solution was low and simple to take apart.

Where to hang your feeder or feeders - once you start,
guaranteed you’ll have to have more than one - is up to you and
the layout of your home and yard.

If you have an open porch this is a great place or from tree
branches. Most people look for spots where the birds can be
seen; after all half the fun comes from watching these little
dynamites. Feeders that mount to windows with suction cups are
another alternative.

What To Fill Them With:

Two choices here, pre-made solution or hand made, the choice is
up to you. I personally have done both but if you prefer to make
your own the following is the standard recipe.

1)One part ordinary white cane sugar to four parts water.

2)Boil the water is you wish however it is not really necessary.

3)Store unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you choose to make your own solution, do not add honey as it
ferments very rapidly and can be fatal to the birds. Also the
addition of red food coloring is not necessary, they will find
the food without it.

Maintenance of Feeder:

Sugar and water mixed together will ferment - not good for the
birds - which limits it’s usability, this can happen very
quickly during hot summer months.

Therefore when temperatures range between 60-85 degrees - or
higher - the mixture really should be changed about every three
days, of course if you happen to have a few Hummingbirds
visiting your outdoor diner then you will be refilling about
this amount of time anyway. If you should notice any cloudiness
in the mixture change it right away.

Before refilling feeder be sure to thoroughly clean the feeder
with warm soapy water and rinse very thoroughly. This is where
having a feeder that comes apart easily is important.

Attracting these wonderful little birds is not only entertaining
it’s also beneficial as they also eat insects.

Plant some Bee Balm, hang a container filled with a beautiful
Fuchsia plant and last but not least put up a feeder.

You’ll find that having your peaceful afternoon snooze on the
porch interrupted is worth it.

If you would like to learn more about the Hummingbird the
following web site are filled with lots of great information.

The Hummingbird Society -www.hummingbirdsociety.org

The Hummingbird Web Site - www.portalproductions.com

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Copyright © 2005 bonnie carrier.