Hummingbird Rescue

Officer Stewart was recently dispatched to a home regarding a trapped hummingbird in a garage. The hummingbird was extremely weak and did not have enough energy to sustain flight. Officer Stewart concocted nectar for the small bird, and started to syringe feed him 5 to 8 times per hour until he could reach a licensed rehabilitator to further care for him.    

Although it may be tempting to put up a red hummingbird feeder to watch these magical birds levitate and zoom through the garden like little feathered drones, these feeders are not always a great idea. 

Research shows that red dyes in artificial nectar is terrible for hummingbirds. If you must feed hummingbirds, think carefully about what food you’re offering to these tiny, fragile bodies.  According to the Audubon Society, the best (and least expensive) solution for feeders is a 1:4 solution of refined white sugar to tap water. That’s ¼ cup of sugar in 1 cup of water. Bring the solution to a boil, then let it cool before filling the feeder. You can make a larger batch and refrigerate the extra solution, just remember to bring it up to room temperature before you refill the feeder.

Hummingbird feeders must also be properly maintained. You can’t just stick them on the porch and forget about them. You must be vigilant because the stakes are high for hummingbirds. Sugary water is an excellent medium for the growth of pathogens, which means it can easily develop mold and mildew – and black mold can cause a horrid infection in hummers. It’s called candidiasis, and it causes a swollen tongue, leading to a death of slow starvation. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother hummingbird to her nest full of youngsters when she feeds them.

Therefore, you must clean the feeder often – every two days in hot weather. Disassemble the feeder as much as possible so every nook and cranny can be effectively cleaned, and use small scrub brushes to be sure corners and crevices are all cleaned. Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling, which will help minimize any residual contamination. At the same time, take a few moments to wipe down feeder hooks and poles and wash away any drips or spills below where the feeder hangs.

For more information about hummingbirds and feeders, visit https://www.audubon.org/news/hummingbird-feeding-faqs.