EARLY Season Recipe (Makes 4 cups)
Heat one cup water to boiling.
Mix in 1 cup sugar.
Stir briskly until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Stir in 3 more cups cold water.
(Optional) Add a tiny amount of red food coloring.

Pour the mixture into a clean hummingbird or Oriole feeder.
Store unused nectar and refrigerate for up to five days.

LATER in the season (makes 2 1/2 gallons)
(We hang 6-8 feeders and have hoards of hungry hummingbirds. 
This amount lasts 3 to 4 days.)

4 cups sugar
16 cups water

Things To Remember

• Prevent hummingbird feeders from spoiling by hanging the feeders in a shady location. Feeders can be hung with suction cups to windows under a porch or awning. This will both provide shade for the nectar and bring the hummingbirds close for observation.
  
• Keep away mold and bacteria by frequently cleaning the feeders. In the heat of summer, feeders should be changed at least once a week, if not more often. Rise the hummingbird feeders out before they show signs of mold (black specks) to keep cleaning easy.
  
• Select a hummingbird feeder that is easy to take apart and clean. If your feeder is easy to maintain, you will be more likely to do it frequently and thoroughly. Choose a feeder with a wide mouth and dishwasher safe parts for the easiest maintenance. Clean the feeder at night when the birds aren't feeding.