[tn-bird] Re: solution for hummers subject of debate...

In a message dated 7/29/02 5:54:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time, jreese5@xxxxxxx 
writes:


> 
> 
> I make my sugar solution much stronger than the 4/1 ration that I see
> recommended in hummer literature. My hummers thrive and I get a lot more
> business than other birding friends, but some insist I am doing the little
> birds harm with this rich mixture. I pour sugar into a plastic pitcher, not
> quite up to one third of the pitcher, and fill with hot water. Does anyone
> have any scientific data on how strong true nectar is, or if it is harmful
> to make a solution this strong?
> 
> I also have given up on putting feeders around in hidden places to provide
> access for those birds who seem to be getting the worst of the battles over
> air space. They ignore those feeders (not entirely, but mostly) and prefer
> to engage in the competition and excitement. I keep several feeders along
> the porch edge, just a few feet apart, and all birds seem able to slip in a
> get a drink while swirling battles keep aggressive birds distracted.
> 
> 

Carol and Tennesee Birders
Most of the hummingbirds that are in your yard today are gone tomorrow and 
replaced by new birds.  That is a fact!  Your stronger solution is probably 
not harmful, but otherwise of little value in my opinion.  The generally 
accepted mix of 4 parts water to 1 part sugar is conservative because THERE 
ARE NO DEFINITIVE STUDIES ON WHAT RATIO HUMMINGBIRDS PREFER.  Studies done 
using captive hummingbirds intoduce a bias that in my opinion may well 
altered the results.  If there is the slightest chance that a strong solution 
could be harmful, why would one chose to take the chance.  

My own experiments over a 10 year period showed only that hummers fed most 
often at feeders that contained either a 4-1 or 5-1 ratio.  This 
non-scientific study was done using banded and color-marked hummingbirds.  By 
using only the data from known birds, it eliminated the migrant population 
from the study.  

The viscosity of the sugar water changes as the mix is made stronger.  
Considering that much of the nectar "lapped" out of flowers and feeders will 
be secured in the tiny tube-like parts of the tonque, thicker would not 
appear to be better in my opinion.  

Hummingbirds will feed at flowers that produce as little as 10% sucrose 
nectar, as well as from flowers that produce near 40%.  Tiny arthropods in 
and at the flowers are an important part of the diet of hummingbirds.  That 
muddies the water as to why they feed at certain flowers.  For instance, 
Zinnias and Mexican Sunflower are wonderful hummingbird plants despite the 
fact that they apparently produce little or no nectar.  They are in fact 
wonderful bug factories.

As a long time hummingbird bander/researcher, I am on record as strongly 
urging the use of the four to one water-sugar mix.  If it ain't broke don't 
fix it.

My neighbor feeds 3 to 1 in his wonderful yard and he has good numbers of 
hummers at his 5 or 6 feeders.  I feed 4 to 1 in my yard and will average 
over 800 birds captured and banded at my 30-60 feeders and Martha's great 
flower garden.  Inconlusive?  Maybe!  I will take my system over his anyday.  
The fact is that it is not a competition. 

Respectfully
Bob Sargent, President
The Hummer/Bird Study Group, Inc.   


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