This view is just too wonderful to not share:

We have two of these Hummzinger feeders.

I love them and so do the hummingbirds!

Happy at the feeder ..

Hummingbird: Messenger of Joy

The last few days here in Ohio have been as beautiful as anyone could desire. I have managed to get in a few hours of computer work before being pulled out into the beautiful day to clean up the garden, and plant some spring bulbs.

But, most of all get ready for the hummingbirds which must be here any day now. It doesn’t take much, just hang their feeders.

Let me recommend the best hummingbird feeders ever. I have tried quite a few, but although pretty and functional at first they all failed in a few ways except for one.

If you have ever hand ants or bees visiting your feeder, then this the solution.

I have used this feeder for three years now. They are a snap (literally since the lid snaps off) to fill and clean and ever since I started using them I have never had a ant or bee problem again.

I have also seen many a hummer sitting on the feeder just resting. It comes with bee guards, put them on! They are easy to use, and last a long time. In fact this year I bought new ones for the first time.

As for the mix. In other blogs and forums I have heard people recommend a 3 to 1 mix. Don’t do that, it is way too sweet for them.

Use instead a 4 to 1 mix. I heat a cup of hot water in my microwave until it is almost boiling and then add a 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir and cool before adding to the feeder.

There is no need to buy a mix, or to add food coloring. And for those who think the hummingbirds need those little yellow circles on other feeders to find the food, they don’t.

Enjoy your hummingbirds, they are simply amazing! Hummingbird Hummzinger Ultra Feeder

Check out Duncraft – they are also running a special.Bird Supplies – every kind you can imagine .. and even some you can’t!

Gardener’s Supply is running a cool special that last’s until April 15th (a deadline date if I ever heard one).

So why not use their special to get some of those items into your landscape that will attract birds and butterflies to your garden. (Don’t worry, the bees will come along too.)

Your yard, no matter what size it is, needs essentials like food, water, shelter, and a place to raise their babies.

Of course, while you are providing what they need, be careful to not provide what they don’t need – pesticides. If you have a cat, make sure it has a bell around its neck to warn your flying friends of its approach.

Even small gardens can provide for these beautiful creatures by planting their favorite flowers and adding some water into your design.

Hummingbirds love red and purple tubular flowers, and butterflies love flat faced flowers like zinnias, daises, heliotrope and marigolds.

Add those extra plants that provide food and hiding places for caterpillars like parsley, dill, and butterfly weed.

One of the joys of spring is watching birds build nests. They will find the most amazing materials all on their own, but putting out extra kinds of nesting materials will be helpful. If you have an extra hanger that usually holds suet, you could fill it with string, or dryer lint, or .. well .. use your imagination.

Don’t forget this really cute butterfly house: Butterfly House.

Here is an article that lists lots of plants you could use. Click Here

Good Monday morning!

Over the weekend the birds in my yard appear to have gone to a bird convention.

The suet feeder and the sunflower feeder are mostly vacant where last week there were all kinds of birds sharing food, dropping food, and waiting in waiting in line for more food.

Perhaps they are all talking about starting a family, and preparing their nests. Which means it is definitely the time time to set out some more bird houses. Perhaps a bluebird house?

Don’t put it off, you want to be providing homes now. Here are some really good choices.

My daughter sent this lovely picture of a chickadee coming to call. She has been known to feed them from the palm of her hand. I saw her do it in the middle of a woods walk she used to go on. They were waiting for her. Perhaps this one heard about it and wanted to see if it was true.

She loves to get birdhouses so I got her this one and she loves it! Go get those houses, the more birds the happier the garden!

If you like to try your hand at building your own birdhouses here is a free site to that teaches you how. Birdhouse Builds