What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making your own hummingbird food is simple, fun, and rewarding, letting you connect with nature in your backyard. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up with just two ingredients—sugar and water—and how it feels to watch those tiny birds flock to your feeder.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes, it’s a no-fuss recipe anyone can master.
- Cost-Effective: Save money by skipping store-bought mixes with unnecessary additives.
- Hummingbird Magnet: Attract these colorful visitors with a safe, natural food source they’ll adore.
Recipe
Hummingbirds are delightful visitors to any garden, and providing them with a homemade nectar solution is a simple way to attract and nourish these tiny birds. This recipe guarantees the nectar is safe, easy to make, and free from harmful additives.
Ingredients:
- 1 part white granulated sugar
- 4 parts water
Instructions:
- Boil the water to guarantee it is free from impurities.
- Add the sugar to the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Fill your hummingbird feeder with the cooled nectar.
- Store any leftover nectar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes:
- Do not use honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, as they can be harmful to hummingbirds.
- Avoid adding red dye, as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
- Clean the feeder thoroughly every few days to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Measuring cup
- Spoon
- Hummingbird feeder
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cuisine:
– Nectar for hummingbirds
Serving:
– Enough to fill a standard hummingbird feeder (adjust quantities as needed).
Nutrition
Homemade hummingbird food is a simple mixture of sugar and water, providing essential energy for hummingbirds. This nectar mimics the natural sugars found in flower nectar.
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | 774 |
| Sugars | 200 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade hummingbird food with fresh fruit slices, like oranges or apples, to give them an extra treat. Placing blooming flowers nearby, like petunias or bee balm, creates a natural buffet that’ll make your garden irresistible. It’s such a simple touch, but it turns your space into a hummingbird haven!
Fresh Fruit Slices
Fresh fruit slices are a great way to complement homemade hummingbird food, adding both color and a touch of natural sweetness to the table. I like to use oranges, watermelon, and apples, cutting them into thin, bite-sized pieces. These fruits not only look vibrant but also attract hummingbirds with their juicy appeal. Sometimes, I’ll even drizzle a little of the hummingbird food over the slices for extra allure. It’s a simple trick I picked up from watching how hummingbirds naturally seek out fruit nectar. Plus, the leftover fruit makes for an invigorating snack for me while I enjoy their visits!
Blooming Flowers Nearby
When hummingbirds visit, I love to place blooming flowers nearby, as they’re naturally drawn to their vibrant colors and sweet nectar. It’s like setting up a mini buffet just for them! I often choose flowers like trumpet vines, bee balm, or salvias because they’re hummingbird favorites. Their bright reds, pinks, and oranges seem to act like a flashing “open” sign. Plus, the flowers complement the homemade nectar I put out, giving the birds more options to feast on. Watching them flutter between the blooms and the feeder is such a joy—it feels like I’ve created a little hummingbird paradise.
