Change your hummingbird nectar!

When did you last clean and refill your hummingbird feeders?

       The nectar in your hummingbird feeders could have spoiled in the recent hot weather. So make sure you get out and change it. The hummingbirds will love you.

Here's a passage from my recent column on keeping feeders clean:
       Being vigilant about cleanliness is particularly important when it comes to hummingbird feeders. Hummingbirds can pick up a deadly fungal infection called Hummers Candidiasis from dirty feeders. The infection causes a swollen tongue, which causes the birds to suffocate or starve. An infected bird can pass this disease to birds at other feeders.
       A sugar solution, or nectar, can ferment in direct sunlight in two days and in as little as five days in the shade. If the nectar solution is cloudy or moldy, take it down and clean it thoroughly with a 10 percent solution of white vinegar and hot water. Rise thoroughly and replace with fresh nectar.

Happy Birding!
J.J.