The Hummingbirds Are Back! Here's How to Welcome Them (For Free!)

The Hummingbirds Are Back! Here's How to Welcome Them (For Free!)
By Mingle Hill Farm
It’s that magical moment we wait for every spring — the return of the hummingbirds! The males are already zipping through the skies, showing off their iridescent feathers and staking out territory. The females won’t be far behind, and now is the perfect time to roll out the welcome mat (or feeder!) for these incredible pollinators.

​Skip the Store-Bought Nectar
You don’t need to buy pre-made hummingbird food — in fact, it’s better if you don’t. Many commercial mixes contain artificial dyes and preservatives that hummingbirds simply don’t need. The good news? You can make your own nectar at home in minutes using just two ingredients: sugar and water.

DIY Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

• 1 part white sugar
• 4 parts water

Boil the water, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved, and let it cool before filling your feeder. We recommend using organic cane sugar or certified cane sugar if possible, as much of the conventional white sugar in North America is made from sugar beets, which are often genetically modified and heavily sprayed. Cane sugar is closer to the natural sucrose found in flowers and is easier for hummingbirds to digest.

A Few Tips for Feeding Success:
🌸 Clean your feeder every 2–3 days (more often in hot weather)
🌸 Hang it in the shade to slow fermentation
🌸 Avoid placing it too close to busy windows
🌸 Plant native flowers nearby for natural food and shelter
Here at Mingle Hill Farm, we love spotting the first hummingbird of the season. It’s a reminder that pollinators of all shapes and sizes are waking up and getting to work — and we’re proud to be a haven for them.
So grab your sugar, fill your feeders, and get ready — the flutter of tiny wings means spring is in full swing.