Hummingbird makes it spring debut

(A male ruby-throated hummingbird/Spencer Ainsley photo)

Welcome back!

These are uncertain times, but like the seasons that cycle through the Hudson Valley, there is one thing I can always count on — the return of the hummingbirds.

It was reassuring to spot the first hummingbird of the season in our yard on Saturday (May 2), here in the Hudson Valley. These tiny, migrating birds are so smart. I wait every spring for them to make their first appearance in the yard, making a beeline for where the feeders usually hang.
After their long journey from Mexico or Central America where they migrate during winter (see, I told you they were smart), they come back to the Northeast, feeling hungry, no doubt. I've read that hummingbirds need to feed every 10 to 15 minutes, so the feeders help supplement their diet of nectar and sap.

I was prepared for their arrival.

The feeders were all washed and put safely away in the basement.
All I had to do was make their favorite elixir: sugar water.

I had just remarked to my hubby that last year, the first hummer arrived May 3 (I was looking over my gardening journal from last year). The next day, as we sat in the yard after doing some chores, a male ruby-throated humming bird buzzed into view, and hovered just feet away from where we were sitting, next to one of the lilac trees, where the feeder hook was awaiting its vessel.

It's easy entertainment, watching the hummers come and go. All you have to do is put up a feeder and wait. It also helps to have flowers in bloom; they are really attracted to red flowers and shades of purple.
There are many flowers that can be planted to attract hummingbirds — bee balm, canna, cardinal flower, columbine, coral bells, four o'clocks, foxglove, hosta and lupine are some examples of perennials they love — and with Mother's Day just days away, planting Mom a hummingbird garden would be a special gift that keeps on giving.

Hummingbird food is sold in many gardening and hardware stores, but you can make it yourself.

Here's a simple recipe for hummingbird food. Refrigerate what you don't use and remember to clean out the feeders every 10 days or so and replace with fresh syrup.

Hummingbird syrup

1. 1 cup sugar
2. 4 cups water
   

• Combine the sugar and water; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; let cool.
• Add about 2 drops of red food coloring (optional).
• Shake and serve!