In the wild, hummingbirds obtain their nutrition from flower nectar and small insects, like gnats and spiders. Hummers get energy from flower nectar and protein from insects. Since hummingbirds are constantly on a mission to find nectar you should have some of these specialty feeders in your backyard, on a patio or even a balcony.

In some parts of the country hummers can be found almost year round and are considered resident birds. In others they may spend the warmer months, or linger for a time during their migration. If hummingbirds are known to be in your general area (neighborhood parks, local gardens) adding a nectar feeder is a must.

It may take some time for hummers to show up at your feeder, but there are ways to encourage them.

You'll find it easier to attract hummingbirds initially by doing a couple of things.

• Since hummers are attacted by red this color should be visable in your yard. To draw attention, plant some red flowers in your garden or add hanging baskets near your feeders. Some flowering plants to consider are fushias, salvia, trumpet vine, impatiens and Indian Paintbrush. Trumpet Honeysuckle, Bottle Bush and Blooming Sage are other good choices. While red attracts the hummers they eat nectar from flowers in a variety of colors. For a larger flower selection visit Flowers for Hummingbirds
• Place your feeders early in the season for best results. But don't hesitate to put out nectar feeders in mid-summer. Continue feeding through the fall until the hummers have left your area and headed south for warmer territory.

Choose a nectar feeder size that is compatible with the number of hummers that visit your yard. Large feeders are certainly tempting . . . but it may be better to go with a smaller feeder. Smaller feeders reduce waste and the chance of the nectar spoiling. So they may be a better choice until the number of hummers increases enough to warrant a larger feeder.

Red is the color that attracts hummingbirds so the nectar feeder's base and feeding ports are that color. The red feeder parts are enough to attract them. Please DO NOT use red-colored nectar. If you decide to purchase commercial hummingbird food look for clear colorless nectar.

Since hummingbirds can eat "on the fly" their feeders don't require perches. However, we think offering feeders with perches is a very good idea. Our hummers stay at the feeders longer when they have a place to rest for awhile. You won't believe how tiny their feet are when you get a closeup look.

Hummingbirds are very territorial. To avoid aggressive hummers preventing others from feeding, place your feeders out of sight of each other. If you have a lot of hummers you can place several nectar feeders close together so no single bird can defend them all.

Female hummingbirds like places where they can nest as well as eat. Try to put your feeder near a tree appropriate for nesting. Although baby hummingbirds are fed reguritated insects along with nectar, mom will appreciate the feeder for the energy she needs. Having all her needs met in one area is a plus since she does all the baby-hummer rearing by herself.

Do hummers need water? Actually, the nectar from flowers and feeders meet their physical needs. But they sure enjoy bathing . . . and it's necessary to keep their feathers clean and flight-ready. Hummingbirds will use bird baths that are shallow. The water should only be about 1" to 1-1/2" deep. If your water source is deeper create some shallow places by adding a few rocks. Hummers also enjoy misters, sprays, and even sprinklers. Adding a water source to your yard is a big plus. You may want to consider the Bird Baths that include a misting system. What fun they are!

We've found that our hummingbird feeders did a pretty good job attracting orioles. However, the orioles have a very hard time trying to "hang on" to the hummingbird feeders because the perches are too small. Nectar feeder manufacturers have certainly taken this fact to heart. They've designed an oriole feeder that solves the birds' problem . . . and ours, too! With the larger oriole feeder size, longer perches and orange colored base the birds linger awhile. So we get a much better look at the orioles. So look for an oriole feeder that is basically the same the hummingbird feeders except for their larger size and color.

Orange color not only attract orioles, they love to eat oranges as well as other fruit. Many oriole feeders have replicas of orange slices over the feeding ports to help attract the birds.

Put your feeder up early in the spring to attract the attention of migrating male orioles. Setting some orange slices near your nectar feeders will help. The oranges are most likely to attract the males around nesting time.

Because orioles favor oranges you may want the convenience of a fruit feeder. As well as providing a way to offer fruit, these feeders commonly include a small dish to hold jelly. Check out Specialty Feeders For Fruit and Insect Eaters for information on fruit feeders. After nesting time orioles are especially attracted to nectar feeders and grape jelly.

You may have orioles near your home and not even realize it. They like to nest high in trees so the birds are well hidden. So entice them down into your backyard with the your oriole feeder, oranges and grape jelly.

Here are some general tips about adding nectar feeders to your backyard . . .

Be sure to place your nectar feeders where you will see them often. Otherwise, you'll miss a lot of enjoyment.

Purchase nectar feeders that are easy to fill and clean. Be sure that the parts fit tightly together to help prevent ants from spoiling the nectar.

Nectar feeders should be placed in the shade . . . out of direct sunlight and wind. Hang them from a tree limb, pole, deck or porch eaves. You may want to place them close to a window for a really good view.

Be aware that windows can pose a hazard. After putting your nectar feeders near a window draw your curtains, shades or blinds until the birds have a chance to understand the glass is a barrier.

Commercial nectar is available for your convenience. However, it is simple to prepare your own. If you decide to prepare your own be sure to do it correctly:

• For hummingbirds the solution is one-part white granulated cane sugar to four-parts water. This ratio is approximately the content of nectar in many flowers that hummingbirds favor.
• For orioles the solution is one-part white granulated cane sugar to six-parts water.
• Boil water first to insure freshness and retard fermentation, THEN add white granulated sugar and dissolve it thoroughly. Do not cook the sugar as that will change the sugar-to-water ratio. Cool the nectar before filling your feeder. Excess nectar can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. DO NOT use brown sugar, artificial sweetner or honey to sweeten the nectar. DO NOT add any red or orange food coloring . . . it isn't necessary and may prove to be hazardous.
• Nectar must be fresh. Clean and refill nectar feeders every 2-3 days, especially in weather over 70 degrees. If your weather is very hot ... 100 degrees or more refill your feeders everyday.
• Nectar feeders should be flushed with very hot water every time they are refilled. DO NOT use soap, but do scrub them with a bottle brush. Let them dry completely before refilling. Once a month clean the feeders with a very mild bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water). Soak the feeders for an hour and rinse thoroughly with running water.
• It's easy to keep fresh sugar water in nectar feeders. Just have an extra feeder on hand. When its time to replace the nectar you can exchange a freshly-filled feeder for one that needs washing.
• If pests, like ants, are a problem check out Bird Feeder Accessories for ant traps. When the page opens select Accessories and go to bottom of page 4. Purchase nectar feeders that include bee guards to prevent bees from contaminating your feeder.

While it may seem like a lot of bother to provide nectar feeders . . . we think you'll feel differently when the fascinating jewels of the air and dazzling orioles show up at your feeders. Then you are sure to agree with us that it is really no bother at all . . . your efforts will be very worthwhile.