HUMMINGBIRDS DUE TO BEGIN ARRIVING IN COMING WEEKS

JEFFERSON CITY -- After a long hard winter, spring has finally arrived. In the coming weeks we'll see more signs of the season, such as flowers in bloom and migrating birds.

Hummingbirds are due back in the state around April 15, so now is a great time to prepare nectar feeders for their arrival.

There are many commercial feeders on the market, but homemade feeders are easy to make. A feeder can be fashioned from a glass or plastic vial that includes a bit of red material at the mouth. You can make nectar by dissolving one part sugar in four parts of warm water. It is imperative to change the solution weekly. A weekly cleaning will reduce the risk of bacterial growth in the feeders. Bacteria can cause serious harm to hummingbirds.

To better your chances of attracting lots of hummingbirds, place feeders near flowering plants. Hummers are most attracted to red or orange tubular flowers.