Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, especially the ruby-throated hummingbirds found in Missouri. These tiny birds are not just cute; they’re also quite bold. If you want to create a unique experience, you can train a hummingbird to perch on your finger. With some patience and a few supplies, you can invite these beautiful birds into your backyard and even have them land right on you!
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, you’ll need a few items to make a hummingbird feeder and train the birds:
- Small jar with a metal lid (baby-food jars work well)
- Hammer and small nail
- Red and yellow paint
- Paintbrush
- Cord
- Scissors
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 cups of water
- Medium-sized saucepan
- A lot of patience!
Make a Hummingbird Feeder
Follow these steps to create your own hummingbird feeder:
- Prepare the Jar: Remove any labels from the jar and wash it thoroughly. Dry the jar and lid completely.
- Create a Feeding Hole: Use the hammer and nail to punch a small hole (about 1/8 inch wide) in the lid. Make sure to flatten any sharp points on the inside of the lid to keep the birds safe.
- Paint the Lid: Paint the lid red and let it dry. After it dries, use the yellow paint to draw a small flower around the hole.
- Assemble the Feeder: Tie a piece of cord tightly around the neck of the jar. Fill the jar almost to the top with hummingbird nectar (we’ll make that next) and screw on the lid.
- Hang Your Feeder: Place the feeder where you can easily see it, but keep it out of direct sunlight and strong winds.
Train a Hummingbird to Perch on Your Finger
Once your feeder is ready, it’s time to attract the hummingbirds:
- Keep the Feeder Stocked: Make sure there is always nectar in the feeder. The more the birds visit, the easier it will be to train them.
- Be Patient: Sit quietly near the feeder and try to stay still. If you need to move, do it slowly so you don’t scare the birds away.
- Hold Out Your Finger: When the hummingbirds seem comfortable with you nearby, slowly hold out a finger close to the feeder. They might just land on it if you’re patient and steady!
Hummingbird Tips
Here are some extra tips to attract more hummingbirds to your yard:
- Use Multiple Feeders: Setting up more than one feeder can help since some hummingbirds might chase others away from just one feeder. Multiple feeders spread out can attract more birds.
- Keep Feeders Up Until November: Leaving your feeders out until late fall helps migrating hummingbirds get a quick snack.
- Plant Native Flowers: To make your garden even more inviting, consider planting flowers like wild bergamot, cardinal flower, columbine, and trumpet creeper.
Mix Up Some Nectar
Making hummingbird nectar is easy. Here’s how:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix 4 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Boil the Mixture: Ask an adult to help you boil the mixture. Boiling helps keep the nectar fresh for longer.
- Cool and Store: Let the nectar cool before filling your feeder. Store any leftover nectar in the refrigerator.
Note: You don’t need to add red food coloring to the nectar. Just having a red part on the feeder is enough to attract hummingbirds.
Warning: Never use honey to make nectar. It can grow harmful fungus that may hurt hummingbirds.
Keep Your Feeder Clean
Make sure to wash your feeder and refill it with fresh nectar every three days. This is especially important in hot weather since nectar can spoil quickly. Keeping it clean helps keep your feathered friends healthy!
Critter Corner: Bumblebee
While you’re enjoying the hummingbirds, don’t forget about bumblebees! These busy bees help pollinate flowers and crops. They collect nectar and pollen to feed their hives. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees don’t store much honey and hibernate alone in the ground during winter.
In conclusion, training a hummingbird to perch on your finger can be a rewarding experience that brings you closer to nature. By creating a welcoming environment with feeders and native flowers, you can attract these wonderful birds to your yard. Remember to be patient and enjoy the process as you learn about the fascinating world of hummingbirds and their friends!
FAQ’s
How do I make nectar for hummingbirds?
To make nectar, mix 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then boil the mixture to keep it fresh. Let it cool before filling your feeder.
How often should I change the nectar in my feeder?
Change the nectar every three days, especially in hot weather, to prevent spoilage and keep the hummingbirds healthy.
Can I use honey for hummingbird nectar?
No, avoid using honey as it can grow harmful fungus that may hurt hummingbirds. Stick to a simple sugar and water mixture instead.