This year's spring-like weather in South Carolina have brought floral blooming, buzzing bumblebees, birds tweeting, and pollen everywhere.
Mark your calendars for mid-March when these hummingbirds arrive in South Carolina. Start putting out feeders.
Instead of buying nectar, create your own for the feeders to protect the hummingbirds.
These are convenient yet pricey and include unneeded and perhaps harmful preservatives and chemicals.
Making your own nectar is simple: combine 1 cup of refined, white sugar with 4 cups of water until dissolved. You don't need to boil the water, but you should dissolve the sugar, says the Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center.
Sugar water nectar should not contain red dye or food coloring since it may hurt hummingbirds. Natural nectar is transparent. However, red feeders will attract your little, fast-flying pals.
The National Audubon Society says hummingbirds connect high-quality nectar with red blooms, so they are drawn to red and other bright colors.
Those who keep feeders out to attract hummingbirds must change feeders and nectar frequently. To avoid mold growth, rinse your feeder with hot water and brush the feeding ports.
Fill a tray-style feeder's nectar level lower than you think to prevent bees from reaching it through the ports. Wild Birds Unlimited says it's sometimes half filled.
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