I was attracted to humming birds two years ago when I planted a lone Salvia greggii. It was the only plant in the garden. Two days later I heard this strange whizzing noise, looked around and to my amazement a hummer was feeding at the salvia. Since then I have collected books and plants to attract these jeweled beauties. (The books are for me, not the hummers!) The best time to attract hummingbirds is during spring migration and this hinges on two things: flower nectar and insects. Males arrive before the females searching for food sources and if found will signal to the females and the young to follow. The average lifespan for females is three and a half years and for males two and a half.

Since hummingbirds need to visit between two thousand and five thousand flowers a day to meet their huge energy needs, it makes sense to supplement the hummingbird garden with feeders. Males can be very territorial and sometimes claim a feeder for themselves so consider hanging a few around the garden and place them out of sight of each other. I put up a feeder about a week before the males show up to ensure that they stick around. I judge the time to put up a feeder by watching the Salvia greggii and when it blooms I hang the feeder. When hanging feeders make sure that there is enough air space for the birds to escape from predators. They like to be able to see all around them.

There are dozens of hummingbird feeders on the market so which one is best? I have found that a feeder that is easy to clean and doesn't drip is a good priority. My favorite are glass feeders. Dan True, author of Hummingbirds of North America, has found that a glass hamster water bottle is the favorite feeder in his garden. With our high winds a pan or basin feeder works well because it is almost drip proof. You can combat wind problems by attaching a lead fishing weight from the bottom of the feeder. When buying plastic feeders look for a high grade plastic such as cellulose-acetate butyrate or acrylics and polycarbonates that can withstand the desert heat. I also find that hand washing plastic feeders will extend their life cycle considerably. My favorite cleaning solution is soaking them in the sink of hot water with dishwashing detergent and white vinegar. The vinegar helps cut down on the soap film making it easier to rinse clean. Please note that vinegar is an acid and can discolor metals.

The ratio for feeder formula is four parts water to one part sugar-do not use honey or red dye in the solution. This produces a solution of 21 percent sucrose, which is the same ratio of nectar found in most hummingbird flowers. In the summer I up the ratio to five parts water/one part sugar. It gives the birds more water in the heat and keeps the solution from gumming up. The solution should be boiled on the stove for two minutes to retard fermentation and then cooled. A large batch can be made and the extra stored in the refrigerator in a glass container. Experts advise against microwaving the solution as the radiation alters the sugar's structure. Feeders should be cleaned and refilled every two to four days.

To control bees on feeders replace yellow bee guards with a red one since bees are attracted to yellow. For ants I find that rubbing lard or Chapstick on the pole keeps them from crossing the barrier. If bats are emptying out the feeders simply take them in every night, but bats eat such large quantities of insects (over 2,000 mosquitoes per night!) it may be worth feeding them also.

The ultimate feeding station would also include pieces of fruit that attract fruit flies and gnats. Next month we'll focus on nesting, plants, and water features that attract humming birds.