Cornell Lab Of Ornithology Attracting Hummingbirds Would an American Flag Nearby be Distracting?

Question by KJT: Attracting Hummingbirds Would an American Flag Nearby be Distracting?
A couple weeks ago I bought an American Flag to hang outside.
Also picked up a nice hummingbird feeder and mix to make the Nectar.
I’ve seen them come around in the past.
Also, I heard the color RED tends to attract them.
I haven’t seen one yet in two weeks.
Could the flag be a distraction rather an attraction?
Is there anything else I can do to see them again?
I live in an apartment and am limited to my patio.

Best answer:

Answer by gail
Hummingbirds are very patriotic & love to see the stars & stripes displayed. Okay, seriously—unless the flag is so big in comparison to the space & it’s waving in a constant breeze all the time I wouldn’t think it would be a deterrent. If you can add a container of flowers (& yes red is very attractive to hummers) that would be added incentive for the birds to come to your patio. Red salvia is almost irresistible to hummers. The flowers are not hidden in the foliage so it gives them easy access to the nectar and you can easily watch the bird hovering over the plant while feeding http://yardener.com/YardenersPlantHelper/LandscapePlantFiles/FilesAboutFlowers/FlowersAnnuals/RedSalvia

I suggest you switch to plain (& cheap) white sugar & water to fill the feeder. One part sugar to four parts water—-1/2 cup sugar to 2 cups water. You don’t need to boil the mix but the water should definitely be hot enough to dissolve the sugar fast. The red color in most commercial pkgs of hummingbird mix is unnecessary and last I heard the jury of biologists is still out on whether or not it’s harmful to the birds. Why use it if the birds don’t need it? Cornell Lab of Ornithology info on feeding hummingbirds: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=1181

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