Sugar prices are skyrocketing. I just bought enough sugar to take us through the Spring, and Summer feeding of the Hummingbirds, Orioles, and House Finches that consume a couple of gallons of syrup a month around here beginning in March, and ending in September. The Finches, and Hummingbirds the rest of the year consume a half gallon per month. $85.00 for 125lbs. of sugar.
Between the government, the weather, foreign usage of sugar for Ethanol I don’t see the prices coming down anytime ever.
Rather than feed them sugar, plant the perennials that they enjoy. The hummers love reds and pinks. Monarda, (Bee Balm) is a favorite. I want to provide for the wildlife, but I don’t want them to be dependent on me and they are very beautiful gracing your garden.