Vox Pop - Stop feeding hummingbirds red dye and grape jelly

Vox Pop

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology (study of birds) recommends against using red dye in hummingbird feeders.

Licensed bird rehabbers have found that hummers that have been fed red dye have a higher mortality rate and suffer from tumors.

Red dye contains harmful preservatives and additives and are unnecessary for healthy hummers. Most hummingbird feeders have red parts that serve to attract hummers.

The best nectar to feed your hummingbirds is the least expensive. 4 parts water to 1 part white table sugar. Just make sure white sugar is dissolved.

Ten foods you should never feed hummers. Spoiled Nectar/If your feeder is cloudy it’s harmful for the birds.

Red Dye Fruit Juices Sugar substitutes Soda Syrups Brown Sugar/Confectionery Sugar However, hummers have been known to discreetly sip the juice from fresh, from the tree apples/pears/oranges.

They also eat small spiders/insects for protein and feed on tree sap.

Best flowers to attract hummers are Salvia, Foxglove, Hostas, Petunia, Day lilies, Bee Balm, any tubular shaped flower.

If there is one thing you take away from this article, please stop feeding your orioles grape jelly. They work for orioles but hummingbirds die from the sticky jelly. Their beaks get stuck together and they die. Don’t believe me there is tons of pictures on Yputube of dead hummingbirds with beaks stuck together. If you feed Orioles you can use the same sugar water that the hummingbirds drink. Don’t be shocked if you see a woodpecker or two drinking from your feeder. I have a red headed woodpecker take huge sips out of my feeder. No kidding!

Hoping you had a good Memorial holiday. Humanely yours

— Kathalin Tuisl, Sheldon

Jason Weir was honored as the Gilman School District Volunteer of the Year for his service to local youth and community through the Gilman Pirate Archery Club, Little Hills Youth Hunts, and the Vault Village (formerly Hidden Treasures). He received the recognition during the May 24 graduation ceremony at Gilman High School.

NATHANIEL UNDERWOOD/THE STAR NEWS