You know it’s spring when the hummingbirds return.  For several years now I try to get at least one hummingbird feeder on the porch by April 15th.  I was a few days late this year and didn’t get mine put out until Sunday the 20th and boy was I ever glad.  Our first arrival was yesterday afternoon when we were sitting on the front porch enjoying  the warm afternoon.

Hummingbird feeder.

First I sterilize my feeders. Then I make their feed which is four parts water to 1 part sugar. I mix this together and boil for six minutes. Let cool and fill the feeders. This mixture will fill two of my feeders.

After preparing the feeders, hang them where you want to get a good view of these little angels in action.  We usually have 4-6 feeders on our front porch out of the sun so the syrup doesn’t spoil as quickly.  If your syrup seems to have strings of film in it after several days it’s time to change the syrup.  I usually start out with two feeders to begin with and as the population grows I add more feeders.

One of the first arrivals.

Last year in June, I believe, we had about thirty at one time.  I had four feeders on both sides of the porch and we were refilling them almost daily.  We love watching them.  Here’s a view of last years group:

Feeding time at the Caldwells!

I try to grow as many of their favorite flowers as possible every year and add perennials to my garden that they love as well.  Most of these flowers also attract the graceful hummingbird moth as well.

Hummingbird Moth