Hummingbird Feeder

type size: [A] [A] [A]

Episode: Hummingbirds and Butterflies

Purpose: To create a feeder for hummingbirds.

Materials: glass bottle, 1 spool of craft wire, red ribbon or yarn, glass glue, wire cutters, pliers, hummingbird feeding tube (purchased at craft and bird supply stores), sugar, water and a small pot to boil water

Instructions:

1) Apply the glass glue to the outside of the bottle.

2) Starting at the top of the bottle, wrap the ribbon around the glass stopping about three-quarters of the way down.

3) Take the craft wire and snip off a long piece to create a hanger for the feeder. Place the two ends on opposite sides of the bottom of the bottle (where the ribbon stopped).

4) Continue to wrap the wire around the bottle to secure the hanging loop to the bottle.

5) When the hanger is secure, snip off the wire and twist it around one side of the hanger.

6) Continue wrapping the red ribbon around the bottle, stopping when you reach the bottom.

7) On the stove boil 4 cups of water. Add 1 cup of sugar to the boiling water; stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool. This is the nectar that will attract the hummingbirds.

8) When the nectar is room temperature, pour it into the bottle. Any leftover nectar can be stored in the refrigerator.

9) Finally, place the feeder tube in the bottle top and hang the feeder from a tree or shepherd's hook.

10) The nectar will spoil and, after several days, will have to be replaced.