Spring 2006
|
|
|
Spring 2006 |
To dye or not to dye hummer nectar It’s long been known that hummingbirds are attracted to nectar-producing flowers by their shades of red. You can bank on seeing these tiny jewels of the bird world using deep orange to near purple blossoms of azaleas, bleeding heart, butterfly bush, cardinal flower, columbine, coral bells, dahlia, delphinium, elderberry, fuchsias, gladiolus, hollyhock, honeysuckle, penstemon, petunias, phlox, scarlet bergamot, snapdragons, and other similarly-colored flowering plants. So the practice of putting red dye or food coloring in sugar-water solutions for hummingbird feeders also has a long history. But is it bad for the birds? Today’s Internet websites, chat rooms, bulletin boards and e-mail exchanges among bird enthusiasts reveal much debate on this issue. No scientific study to date has definitely answered that question for once and for all, but there is plenty of circumstantial evidence indicating that it is probably unsafe. One thing we know for sure: dying hummer nectar red is not necessary because most feeders already have something red on them to attract the birds. We also know that hummingbirds can be harmed from consuming a heavy sugar syrup or a prepared nectar that grows mold or fungus. To avoid these problems, always use a solution that is no more than one part sugar to four parts water. Always boil the water, stir the sugar until completely dissolved, and cool completely before filling feeders. Never use honey because it helps fungus grow and contains botulism toxins that can kill birds. Never use artificial sweeteners because they contain no calories for the birds. WDFW advises first and foremost
landscaping with some of the flowering plants that attract hummingbirds
naturally. If you want to provide supplemental nectar in feeders close
to the house so that you can easily watch the birds, follow the solution
preparation tips above, don’t add red color to it, and make sure
your red-colored feeder is kept clean. |
|
||
| |
