We interrupt your aromatherapy feed for this very special announcement . . .
T-h-e-y-y-y-y-y’r-e b-a-a-a-c-k!

Or at least, here in South Carolina, the ruby-throated hummingbirds are back.

To tell you the truth, I am kind of jealous of those of you who have hummingbirds year-round and have multiple species to enjoy. However, if I did have them year-round, I’m pretty sure I would easily blow my sugar budget.

Fun fact: Did you know they also eat bugs?

For those of you who would like to attract hummingbirds to your yard and are wondering how to do it, here are a few things you may find helpful.

Hummingbirds usually find the feeders quickly if they are currently in your region. And to tie us back into aromatherapy, you can also add some aromatic plants they love to your property.

You don’t even need a “yarden” like Sylla to do it! There are several that work beautifully in planters.

Hummingbirds can also get pretty demanding once they are used to having you feed them. They will definitely let me know when they show up for the year, or if they are out of nectar, by hovering right in front of my face or greeting me with the customary “put the feeder out” flybys.

(Anyone else have Top Gun flashbacks with hummingbird flybys set to Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” playing in your head?)

Hummingbird Nectar and Feeders

I don’t recommend buying commercial nectar, at least not ones with dyes in them, especially when it is so easy to make a simple sugar water hummingbird nectar.

Recipe:
1/4 cup refined white sugar
1 cup water (well, spring, etc., but do not recommend city tap water due to additives)

For every 1/4 cup of sugar, add 1 cup of water to a pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and bring to a boil. Once it starts to boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

You can make fresh nectar every time or, for convenience, any excess can be stored in a jar with a lid in the fridge for up to a week.

Please Note:

• Do not use molasses, brown sugar, etc., instead of refined white sugar.
• Do not use dyes
• Do not use city tap water
• Feeders should be washed out and filled with fresh nectar at least once a week. Twice a week during hot weather. More often if heavy rains cause additional water to get into the feeder. Learn more here.
• Lastly, while this is an aromatherapy blog, to clarify so there is no confusion, Do Not Use Essential Oils in the DIY nectar or to clean the feeder!

Additives, dyes, mold, and bacterial growth can make hummingbirds sick or, at the very least, turn them off of feeders.

Of all the different types of hummingbird feeders I have had over the years, the Perky-Pet 203CPBN Pinch Waist Glass (or the 16 oz 204CP-4 version) Hummingbird Feeders are my favorite. They are easy to take apart, clean, and fill. Additionally, the built-in ant moat and bee guards are much-needed bonuses around here.

I hope you have found this helpful and get some joy and entertainment from these little feathered balls of energy.

You can also now follow me at atlanticinstitute.com