Marianne's Response

Don’t feed the birds—except hummingbirds

Thank you for your article on feeding birds. I’ve been trying to send out the same message for many years. Our wooded, shrubbed, and water-featured half-acre has been insecticide and feeder free for many years. We also notice a huge reduction in summer insects as our hungry resident birds now must perform that duty for us.

The only exception I think you missed was for hummingbirds. Several species over-winter and build nests in our yard, and we always have a clean sheltered feeder available with fresh nectar. As it’s located beneath the eaves directly outside a kitchen window, it’s a win-win for all of us. If you agree, please let your readers know. If you disagree, please let me know.

BTW – one of my first gardening books was your ‘Tips for Carefree Landscapes’ which I’ve used as a guide since about 1990. We’ve also been lawn-free since 2002. Thank you for all you do.

Posted by bob deHaas on October 29, 2014

Marianne's Response

Thanks Bob, I agree a hummingbird feeder kept clean all winter is a win win as it does not attract vermin. I will have to recommend that in a future column. Now if only I knew how to inspire everyone to keep their hummingbird feeders clean and only offering fresh solution. As you probably know the mold that grows in the old sugar water has been causing illness in our hummer population. This does not happen when the local humming birds use up all the solution in a day or two as they most likely do at your feeder. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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