Photo: Don't forget to feed the hummingbirds

Photo by Shirley Sidell

Don't forget to keep nectar in your hummingbird feeders and make sure it doesn't freeze.

You can make your own nectar with 1/4 cup of cane sugar to 1 cup of water. NOTE: do not use beet sugar -- the hummers can taste the difference.

Wild Birds Exclusive in Lake Forest Park Town Center is a good resource for feeders and ready made nectar. It's located at the south end by Mod Pizza.

Keep the feeders clean -- without soap.

During the cold weather, which WeatherWatcher Carl Dinse thinks will be most of January, Bird Lady Christine Southwick says she has at least two or three going so that there is always food, even when she is cleaning one of them.

Christine says "My favorite way during really cold spells is to wrap Christmas lights (the old style, not-LED) against and around the feeder, making sure that the ports are clear. The heat from the lights is enough to keep a full feeder from freezing, down to about 18-19 degrees F."