lrasmuss@dante.nmsu.edu (Linda Rasmussen) (04/20/89)
The best feeder I have found is the "Flying Saucer" type made by a small company back east, Droll Yankees, Inc. (Foster, RI 02825). They don't leak (even in wind), don't get bug problems, and are very durable. Many other types only last a season or two before coming apart. This is the type sold by all of the hummer hot spots in the southwest: Ramsey Canyon, Madera Canyon, etc. (Ariz.) The most widely recommended sugar mixture is 4 parts water to 1 part sugar...NO food coloring. Hummingbird feeders have red on them to attract the birds; there is no need to add artificial color to their food. It can also be unhealthful. Also, one of the most hummer-attractive plants I have seen is a small, vibrant pink flowering shrub, Salvia gregii. It is good in hot, dry weather, too. Sometimes sold as Autumn Sage. -- :: Linda Rasmussen lrasmuss@nmsu.edu :: New Mexico State University frontraz@nmsuvm1.bitnet :: Department 3-AT :: Las Cruces, NM 88003 :: Linda Rasmussen lrasmuss@nmsu.edu :: New Mexico State University frontraz@nmsuvm1.bitnet :: Department 3-AT :: Las Cruces, NM 88003