This is what I do.

How to Make #Hummingbird Nectar Audubon's 7 Steps!

August 15, 2024

"To make #HummingbirdNectar following the #Audubon guidelines, you will need to mix a 1:4 ratio of white granulated sugar to water, boil the mixture for 2 minutes, let it cool, and then fill your feeder.

"Hummingbird nectar, also known as sugar water, mimics the natural nectar found in flowers that hummingbirds feed on.

"The #AudubonSociety’s recipe ensures that the nectar provides the proper nutritional balance for hummingbirds while being easy to prepare at home.

Use a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water (e.g., 1 cup of sugar to 4 cups of water)

Boil the sugar-water mixture for 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and eliminate any impurities

Allow the nectar to cool before filling your feeder

Do not add any dyes, honey, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds

When preparing hummingbird nectar, it’s crucial to maintain the 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio as recommended by the Audubon Society.

This ratio ensures that hummingbirds receive the necessary energy to sustain their high metabolism without causing potential health issues.

Regularly clean and refill your feeder, especially during hot weather, to prevent mold and spoilage. Additionally, storing any unused nectar in the refrigerator can help extend its freshness."

Learn more:
https://birdsidea.com/how-to-make-hummingbird-nectar-audubon/

#SolarPunkSunday #HummingbirdMigration #SolarPunkSunday #BirdWatching #BirdMigration #FeedingBirds

#HummingbirdMigration map reveals new locations across #US

by James Powel, Lori Comstock and Kinsey Crowley
Updated April 1, 2026

"#Hummingbirds are beginning to appear farther north as the fast‑winged birds continue their annual spring migration.

"Sightings have been reported across the Gulf Coast in recent weeks, and as far north as New Jersey, where a male ruby‑throated hummingbird was spotted March 31, according to Hummingbird Central’s interactive migration map. Another hummingbird was seen near Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 22, AccuWeather reported.

"Forecasters say hummingbirds will continue moving north as temperatures rise, becoming more common across central and eastern states by May.

[...]

"How to invite hummingbirds to your yard

"With impossibly fast wings, small bodies and long distances to travel, hummingbirds must eat every 10 to 15 minutes and visit 1,000 to 2,000 flowers per day, according to the National Audubon Society.

"If you want to boost your chances of seeing a hummingbird in your own backyard, the National Audubon Society says flowers, perches, insects and water are key. Here's what the organization suggests:

- Flowers: Plant native, flowering plants in your yard. Red or orange tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, as do natives like honeysuckle, bee balm and hummingbird sage, which are rich with nectar.
- Perches: Give them somewhere to rest, both open and somewhat sheltered.
- Insects: Hummingbirds also get protein from small insects. Avoid pesticides in the yard, plant insect-pollinated plants in addition to hummingbird-pollinated plants and try hanging overripe fruit near a hummingbird feeder to attract fruit flies.
- Bathtime: Hummingbirds like to bathe. Giving them fine, fresh water to do so could help attract them. Consider a misting device or a drop fountain.
-Feeders: Hummingbird feeders also help give hummingbirds nectar, the necessary fuel for their long migrations."

Read more:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/04/01/hummingbird-migration-map-2026-sightings/89426540007/

#SolarPunkSunday #BirdWatching #Hummingbirds #BirdMigration

Migration is picking up! You can check status of migration with BirdCast Dashboard (in the US - there must be equivalents in EU ...). Cornell has other tools to monitor migration. Note on the Dashboard that they post migrants and their timelines, along with analysis of flight and a Probability Density Function and Cumulative Density Function of where we are in the season. Check with your local Nature Center to find out what they are seeing in the woods. Most of the Naturalists will take a morning walk to check for new arrivals.

A volunteer work day today on rickety knees - getting more difficult to walk any distance, and that is making me progressively more cranky. The only birding I get is vicarious if any birds drop by while I work.

#BirdMigration #MigrationDashboard
#CornellLab

Busy night for spring bird migration in Cook County, Illinois: an estimated 1/2 million birds crossed the county.

cc @chris

https://dashboard.birdcast.org/region/US-IL-031?night=2026-03-28

#birds #BirdMigration

Whee!

"Hummingbird Central's 2026 Hummingbird Spring Migration Map shows ruby-throated hummingbirds currently in Florida, Louisiana and Texas, according to the interactive map."

https://www.hometownlife.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/02/23/are-hummingbirds-flying-north-see-migration-map/88820931007/

#BirdMigration #hummingbird