WHY ARE HUMMINGBIRDS IMPORTANT TO THE ENVIRONMENT?

Hummingbirds are pollinators and some plants have evolved long, tubular flowers to take advantage of hummingbirds' specialized method of nectar.  Native honeysuckles, penstemon, salvias, and other plants rely heavily on visits from hummingbirds for their own reproduction, as hummingbirds inadvertently collect pollen on their feathers and bill while feeding, and carry the pollen to the next flower. 

The ability to fly their wings rapidily - on average 50 times per second enables hummingbirds to hover with ease.  Despite their size, some migratory species travel more than thousands of miles, flying for hours at a time.  All 328 species of hummingbirds are found exclusively in the Americas.  The smallest hummingbird is called the "Calliope" Hummingbird and the world's lightest is the "Bee" hummingbird which weighs only as much as two paperclips!

SUCCESSFUL TIPS TO ATTRACT HUMMERS TO YOUR BACKYARD 

If you never seem to be able to attract hummingbirds, try one or more of these tips:

Try tying a red ribbon on the feeder.  Red is the optimal color and the more the better!

Place your feeder amongst flowers or hang a basket of flowers nearby.

Try putting up two or more feeders out of sight from each other - they are very territorial and prefer their own

NECTAR RECIPE:

1 Part Sugar
4 Parts Water
Boil 1-2 Minutes
Cool & Store in Refrigerator

Never use honey or artificial sweeteners!  Honey ferments easily and can cause sores in a hummers mouth. Artificial sweeteners have no food value.  DO NOT use red food coloring in your solution, as this could be harmful to your hummers.  Most feeders have red on them and that should be enough.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ANTS

The best way to prevent ants at your feeder is to use an "ant guard".  An ant guard is a barrier between the ants and the nectar.  These guards are built into many feeders and also available as an add-on accessory for existing feeders.