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@TH-eb5roАй бұрын
We have switched to that type of feeder as they are the easiest to keep clean. Our state recommends vinegar only and we change the nectar* every three days. I spray them with vinegar and let them sit for three minutes then scrub and rinse. We put them in front of a fan to dry. We also use the mascara brush for ports, get them free on FreeCycle. I used to use bee covers on the ports but no longer need them as I've learned the amount of nectar needed. For each of those tray type it is 1/2 cup. The Oriele/other bird weight will tilt the nectar to them and the Hummingbirds can reach it. We currently have a couple pair of Hummingbirds. We only use the bleach/water at the end/beginning of the season. We also put a rain guard on them so the nectar is not diluted. When I pour out the old nectar I put it into a bee/ant feeder that I keep near the base of other feeders and within minutes the ants are there. I also do not poison/spray wasps as the BlueJays snatch/eat the larvae We also have birds that eat the ants. The yard is a NWF BackYard Habitat so trying to get it all working together. I would never use DAWN on my dishes because of their EWG ratings so would never think to use it for bird feeders. I do have a brother that is a mechanic who uses it for work laundry.
@julieackerson3111Ай бұрын
I live in San Diego CA and it doesn’t get too hot by the immediate coast where I Live. It’s hard for me to do it every other day since I have so many bird feeders. Usually I do it 2-3 times per week. I use Hydrogen Peroxide and I let it sit for 4 minutes. I like the idea of cleaning them in the evening and letting them dry over night. It takes me about an hour and half to clean my 6 hummingbird feeders. That’s why I feel like I don’t do it enough. I usually also clean and disinfect all the areas the feeders will come in contact with including the sink. I dry them with 100% post consumer recycled paper towels. And since the paper towels are technically clean…I reuse them around the home.
@jameslomenzo1139Ай бұрын
I don't know what's going on with the Ruby-Throated hummingbirds here in Nashville,Tennessee. I have around 15 each year around this time and so far only seen two. I always keep my feeders clean.
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
It is still a bit early for the young to show up. Your numbers should increase over the next couple of weeks. At least I certainly hope so.
@histeve1110Ай бұрын
West Tennessee here and my experience is exactly the same. I worry they may have had a difficult migration. Idk, I just know my numbers are significantly down. I look forward to seeing their first brood show up, I miss having a bunch of hummers around..
@jameslomenzo1139Ай бұрын
@histeve1110 I've had Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds around since early 90's in big numbers and have never seen it this bad. Something is going on that I don't understand. Good luck.
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
@@jameslomenzo1139 we hope it was just a rough year for them either in migration or in their wintering grounds and they will bounce back.
@gusthebrahman1066Ай бұрын
Do you or have you ever heard of anyone providing plain water in a feeder (separate from a bird bath) Do hummers need to drink water separate from nectar. I've been wondering this for a while.
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
Don’t know of anyone who does that but don’t see why you couldn’t. They may take to it.
@AndrewJames66Ай бұрын
I clean my hummingbird feeders very good. I mainly do mine at night when the hummingbirds are sleeping. I do my feeders every two days.
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
Sounds perfect
@Dan-nj8duАй бұрын
Thank you. I do have one request. Can you identify what time of year it is when you post these in the video? You often talk about "This time of year..." but once your videos are a year old the viewers have no clue when "now" is. Easy to guess for this video but I've watched several of your videos that are over 1 year old and it's purely a guess when you posted and what time of year your referencing. Thanks. PS: Oral-B makes a flossing brush labeled GUM that's great for cleaning those feeder holes.
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
Wow, I had to check that myself because I wasn't sure. The date it was published is in the description below the video. Unfortunately with older videos (most of which were recorded in Facebook Live), I likely published the video on a different date than I recorded it. I tried to publish them when they were topical but some may be off a bit. New videos that isn't an issue as I publish them within a day or two of recording them. Thank you for pointing that out.
@jessicajaynenc1202Ай бұрын
When do I need to get my feeders cleaned and full of my sugar water/nectar here in Jacksonville NC ? I remember you telling me it’s beneficial to have even empty ones hanging because they make note of it and come back to it. But I’m always confused about when to put the nectar in.
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
@@jessicajaynenc1202 For you area, I would assume that the young will be showing up now. I would put a little in more feeders now and just know you will have to change it out. They should be showing up.
@Dan-nj8duАй бұрын
@@MarksBackyardBirds Son of a gun. I never noticed that when you expand the description box it also expands the date the video was posted. I just saw the "2 years ago" in the default view and thought that was as close as it got. For that matter, I just also noticed that when you hover over the default view it shows the post date too. Thanks again!
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
@@Dan-nj8du absolutely 👍
@Miguel195211Ай бұрын
I religiously clean my hummingbird feeder. I have 2 hummingbirds.
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
Excellent!
@RebeccaWright-lo6vwАй бұрын
Me to always dumping ants after 1 day even with a mote
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
@@RebeccaWright-lo6vw are you using a full sized any moat like these? shopbackyardbirdcenter.com/products/songbird-ess-nectar-protector. If hung properly, I’ve never seen ants get past them.
@RebeccaWright-lo6vwАй бұрын
@@MarksBackyardBirds no , but I will though, ty
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
@@RebeccaWright-lo6vw so simple but so effective.
@RichardFerstandigАй бұрын
Don’t ospreys get tired of eating fish?
@MarksBackyardBirdsАй бұрын
Birds don't eat for pleasure, they eat to survive. Fish are what they have evolved to catch and eat.