Cooking is for the birds!

In addition to cooking for myself and countless catering clients, part of my weekly routine has become cooking for the birds. I have a hummingbird feeder that hangs amongst some shade trees at the end of my patio and I love watching the little buggers each morning and evening as they feed. At any given time there may be as many as 5 hummingbirds trying to feed. Sometimes one or two will eat in peace at the same time but most often it sounds like a helicopter landing pad out there as they become aggressive and swarm around protecting their rightful spot at the feeder. It amazes me how much these little guys can eat! I make 4 cups of food for them nearly every week. I wanted to post this recipe for hummingbird nectar as well as some interesting information that I found on this website so that maybe you too can enjoy watching them!

"The wing beat rate of hummingbirds varies by species, with the common Ruby-Throated Hummingbird averaging a wing beat of about 53 per second, seen by the human eye as a blur. The wings move in a figure eight pattern to produce the gravity-defying hover effect for which hummers are famous. The energy needs of this little bird are amazing - they must feed every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day, consuming up to two thirds of their body weight in food. An important part of the hummingbird diet is sugar, from flower nectar, tree sap and, of course, backyard feeders.

Hummingbirds cannot smell and depend on their eyesight to seek out flowers and food sources. Inexpensive hummingbird feeders are readily available and will attract the busy little birds without the need for coloring the food - the bright red plastic and easy food source will keep them coming throughout the day. Since hummingbirds are territorial, you may want to hang two feeders - one in the back yard and one in the front, to accomodate as many hummingbirds as you can."

How to Make Hummingbird Food
by Jane Lake

Bee balm, honeysuckle, clematis, impatiens, phlox and fuchias are some of the common flowers that will attract hummingbirds to your garden. But hanging a hummingbird feeder where you can easily see it is probably the best way to observe the hummingbirds in action.

There's no need to buy expensive hummingbird nectar - make your own, from this simple hummingbird syrup recipe.

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

1 part sugar/4 parts water

Boil the water first, then measure and add sugar, at the rate of 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water.

Let cool and store excess in refrigerator until ready to use.

Do not add food coloring, honey (which ferments), or artificial sweetener, which has no nutritional value.

You will need to clean your feeder every few days, with hot water and a mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit mold. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with water syrup.