Saratoga Springs, New York

NECTAR FOR HUMMINGBIRDS AND ORIOLES

You can easily make your own nectar for both your hummingbird and oriole feeders.

Hummingbird on orange fdr

HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPE

1 part sugar
4 parts water
Boil water - stir in sugar to dissolve - cool - fill feeder - store remainder in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or use for oriole nectar "starter" (see shortcut below)

Conversions:
To make 1 cup of nectar: 1 c. water and 1/4 c. sugar
To make 2 cups of nectar: 2 c. water and 1/2 c. sugar
To make 3 cups of nectar: 3 c. water and 3/4 c. sugar
To make 4 cups of nectar: 4 c. water and 1 c. sugarOriole on fdr

ORIOLE NECTAR RECIPE

1 part sugar
8 parts water
Boil water - stir in sugar to dissolve - cool - fill feeder - store remainder in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Shortcut to oriole nectar:
1) Start with a batch of hummingbird nectar from recipe above.
2) Double-up on the water only.

Nectar Tips

  • Store prepared nectar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Change nectar and clean feeders every 4-5 days whether the nectar is being consumed or not.
  • Change nectar and disinfect feeder immediately if you see black spots in the feeder
  • Change nectar immediately if you see cloudiness in the nectar
  • Don't use red nectar - most hummingbird feeders have enough color in them to attract the birds so WHY ADD DYE??