[mercy]

I keep out two ... one quart feeders. I mix my sugar about three to one water to sugar. Hot water from the tap works fine. No dye. In the hieght of summer they drain the entire half gallon every day.

This time of year we get a steady stream of passers-through meandering South. Our native species is the 'black chin' but this time of year we get a few of the less aggressive 'ruby throats'.

One can never see the true irredescence spectacle of these birds unless they are in full sun. The so-called black chin is actually brilliant deep purple in the sun (a small patch under the beak). The females are just a drab grey.

Despite the hundred or so hummers I have in residence here I have yet to find a nest. Guess I'll just have to climb the oak trees. I REALLY want to see a baby humming bird.

As to their nutrition. The books I have say that hummingbirds eat small insects as well as nectar and I figure they will get more bug meals with the energy I provide with the refined carbohydrates I freely supply.

[blam]

"The books I have say that hummingbirds eat small insects as well as nectar."

Yup. I've read this also.
Now, I was thinking today, do they have West Nile Virus?

[JLO]

I've checked this out very well a few years ago. Lots of questions are answerd.

http://www.hummingbirds.net/feeders.html#recipe