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| The Backyard Corner |
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| NECTAR |
Nectar is just plain sugar water, and is used to attract Hummingbirds. In my opinion, there's no need to buy the manufactured mixes in the stores, because not only are they very overpriced, but it's easy to make your own. The accepted recipe is 1 part sugar to 4 parts boiling water. Stir it good to make sure the sugar dissolves, and then let it cool before putting in your feeder. You can store any unused mixture in the refrigerator for up to a week. The way I like to make it is a bit easier, but a little more expensive. I guess I'm just lazy at heart, because I buy the "Super Fine" sugar available at most supermarkets. The recipe is the same, 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, but you don't have to boil the water first. The Super Fine sugar dissolves almost instantly in cold water. Whatever you do use, make sure it doesn't have red dye it in. It's not necessary for attracting Hummers, because most feeders have red on them, and research has shown that it might even be harmful to them. You can buy special feeders made just for nectar, and there will be more about that in the Feeder Section. |
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Okay, they aren't seed, and they aren't suet, but I thought I'd put them in this article anyway. Mealworms aren't worms, they are the larvae of the Ground Beetle. Most people have associated mealworms with Bluebirds, and if you have any Bluebirds, or wish to attract them, mealworms are a great choice. I'm not lucky enough to have Bluebirds in my backyard, because I don't have the right habitat, but I have used mealworms to attract Carolina Wrens, Titmice, Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, Blue Jays, White-throated Sparrows, and more. You can buy mealworms from a "farm" online, or you can grow your own. If you grow your own, after the initial investment of worms, container, and bedding, you can virtually have a "free" food. Here is a good site with instructions on how to do it, and other information about mealworms. Mealworms |
| MEALWORMS |
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