Many people enjoy watching hummingbirds visit their yards and gardens in the summer. A common question is whether it is okay to provide supplemental nectar for hummingbirds during the warmer months. There are some important factors to consider when deciding if and how to feed hummingbirds in summer.
Why Do Hummingbirds Need to Feed in Summer?
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need to consume a lot of energy. Their primary food source is nectar from flowers. During summer, some natural flower nectar sources can become less abundant. Providing supplemental nectar in feeders can help provide the calories hummingbirds need to survive. This is especially important during:
- Hot spells when flowers wilt
- Dry periods when nectar production is reduced
- Late summer when preparing for migration
Supplemental feeding with proper nutrition may be crucial for hummingbird survival and success during harsh or scarce conditions.
Risks of Feeding Hummingbirds in Summer
There are some risks associated with providing supplemental nectar for hummingbirds in summer:
- Feeders can grow bacteria in warm weather, causing disease
- Sugar water mixes at wrong ratios can be unhealthy
- Feeders may attract other insects that harm hummingbirds
- Feeders that leak or drip can attract stinging insects
- Cats and other predators may stalk feeders
With proper care and maintenance, these risks can be minimized. But it is important to be aware of them and prepare accordingly.
Tips for Safe Summer Hummingbird Feeding
Here are some tips for successfully feeding hummingbirds in summer:
Use the Proper Sugar-to-Water Ratio
It is important to mix sugar nectar at the right concentration. The optimal ratio is:
- 1 part white, granulated cane sugar
- 4 parts water
This 4:1 ratio provides necessary nutrition for hummingbirds’ needs. Too little sugar does not provide sufficient calories. Too much sugar can harm kidneys and cause digestive issues.
Change Nectar Frequently
In hot weather, nectar can go bad or grow mold and bacteria very quickly. It is recommended to change nectar in feeders every 2-3 days in summer. Clean feeders thoroughly with hot water and replace nectar. This helps prevent disease or contamination.
Use Feeders Appropriate for Summer
Select hummingbird feeders designed to withstand summer conditions:
- Metal or glass construction that won’t warp
- Tight-sealing ports to keep ants out
- Leak-proof seals to avoid attracting insects
- Wide feeding ports that won’t clog with hot nectar
- Built-in ant moats or guards
Plastic feeders may be more prone to warping and leaking in summer heat.
Place Feeders in Shady Locations
Put feeders in shaded spots to help nectar stay fresher longer. Dappled shade under trees is ideal. This keeps nectar from spoiling as rapidly.
Clean Feeders Thoroughly
It is important to completely clean feeders about once per week in summer. Take feeders apart and wash all pieces with hot water and soap. Rinse thoroughly and let dry fully before refilling. This removes any traces of old nectar or buildup of bacteria, mold, or pollen.
Use Multiple Feeders
Having several smaller feeders in different locations reduces crowding and fighting among hummingbirds. More feeders allow proper cleaning rotations and provide backup if one runs dry. Place feeders far enough apart to reduce territorial behavior.
FAQs About Feeding Hummingbirds in Summer
Many people have additional questions about supplementing natural nectar sources with feeders in summer. Here are answers to some common questions:
Will hummingbirds become dependent on feeders?
No, hummingbirds will still seek out natural food sources like flower nectar even if feeders are available. They do not become solely reliant on supplemental feeders, provided they are maintained properly. The feeders augment their primary natural diet.
Is it okay to feed hummingbirds red dye “nectar”?
No. Colored dyes and food coloring contain no nutritional value. Some dyes may even be harmful. Plain white sugar water has all the calories hummingbirds need. The red feeder parts are enough to attract them.
Should I provide insects for protein?
This is not necessary. While hummingbirds get some protein from eating small insects, their primary food and energy is sugary nectar. As long as they have flowering plants or clean feeders for nectar calories, they will get adequate protein from natural insect intake. Avoid putting mealworms or other insects in or near feeders.
How late in summer should I keep my feeders up?
Keep feeders filled through late summer and early fall as hummingbirds continue to prepare for migration. In many regions, it is recommended to leave feeders up until 1-2 weeks after you stop seeing local hummingbirds in your area. This provides late stragglers the fuel they need for their long journeys.
How do I keep ants and bees out of my feeders in summer?
Use feeders with built-in ant guards. For bees, place feeders farther away from beehives or flower beds. Change nectar frequently so it does not smell sweet and attract insects. Keep area clean and do not drip nectar. Use bee guards. Consider moving feeders periodically if they become overrun by insects.
Conclusion
Feeding hummingbirds supplementary nectar during summer can be highly beneficial for their health and survival, especially when blossoms are scarce. However, proper care and maintenance of clean feeders is essential. With the right nectar mix, feeder type, placement, and cleaning, you can successfully provide healthy nutrients for hummingbirds in your yard or garden during hot weather. Following these tips will help minimize risks and create an optimal, safe feeding environment that hummingbirds will visit and thrive in all season long.
References
Websites
- Audubon Society – Tips for Summer Bird Feeding
- Cornell Lab – Caring for Hummingbird Feeders
- Hummingbird Society – Summer Feeding Dos and Don’ts
Books
- Kaufman, Kenn. Lives of North American Birds. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1996.
- Weidensaul, Scott. Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds. North Point Press, 1999.
- Sibley, David Allen. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, 2000.
Scientific Papers
- Blem, C. R., Blem, L. B., Berlinghoff, L. S., & Rosane, R. (2019). Effects of diet on weight gain and premigratory fat deposition in autumn migratory hummingbirds. Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 189(1), 123–133. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-018-1197-6
- Tiebout HM. (1991). Daytime energy budgets of three species of wild hummingbirds. The Condor, 93(4), 758-765. https://doi.org/10.2307/3247732
- Russell AL, Morrison S, Moschonas EH, Papaj DR. (2017). Patterns of pollen and nectar foraging specialization by bumblebees over multiple timescales using RFID. Scientific Reports, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-07527-1
