Hummingbirds...hummingbirds...hummingbirds! Numbers your feeders will peak the first week of this month and begin to dwindle as birds make their way to the Yucatan for the winter.

Please continue to keep hummingbird feeders clean and free of black mold. Nectar should always be MADE and never bought. 4 parts water 1 part white cane sugar whether you're making a cup or a gallon. NO artificial sweetners, NO honey, NO raw sugar and NO RED DYE is necessary and if fact it has the potential to harm. NO nectar extender either. Just keep nectar fresh...change it about every 1-2 days but as temps rise and humidity builds it much be changed more often. Bottom line...if you won't drink it...don't feed it to your hummingbirds and if it's cloudy it's already BAD. Feeding hummingbirds should be a pleasure...if it becomes too much put less feeders out or just plant native flowers.

And speaking of...it's always best to plant native flowers...once established they're far less work because they below here. Check labels and don't buy chemically treated plants. Hummingbirds, amphibians and the like eat small insects. There presence makes a healthier environment for all creatures.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you encounter a sick bird please report it to the link below. If you encounter an injured bird please contact your nearest rehabber. Please continue weekly maintenaince on your seed feeders. Anytime birds artificially gather together to feed there is always the chance of transmission of disease so cleanliness is essential. If you encounter sick or dead birds here's the link to TWRA at: Sick Birds

That same site should also have the most up-to-date information on bird flu and help guide you to doing what's best for our feathered friends.