Beaumont Enterprise
Robin Bradshaw, Hearst
Spring in Texas is the best time of year to pull out the hummingbird feeders as they migrate across the Lone Star State. In Texas, that is generally around the beginning of March, according to AgriLifeToday.
Local flowering plants are the best source of nectar for hummingbirds. However, supplementing with a sugar-water feeder can give them an additional energetic boost during nesting season and migration.
A solution of four parts water to one part table sugar, according to the report, adding not use any red dye. In the past, the red dye has been used to attract hummingbirds, but it's unhealthy for them and has become a myth that biologists highly recommend against.
To keep the sugar water solution fresh, the report recommends making small quantities of water every day or two, adding that boiling the water is unnecessary in small doses when mixed well. However, if making a larger batch, boil that water for storage to dissolve the sugar.
The Hummingbird central website offers an online dashboard highlighting the 2023 hummingbird migration patterns.