Go Wild Marie's Hummingbird/Oriole Nectar Recipe

(4 parts water to 1 part sugar)

1. Bring water to boil. From what I read, boiling is recommended so bacteria is slower to take hold, and the sugar dissolves easier. However, it is not always necessary.

2. Measure 4 equal parts  of water. Example: 1 Cup, 1/2 Cup, etc.

3. Add 1 of same measured amount of sugar.

4. Stir to dissolve.

5. Let cool.

6. Dispense into clean feeder.

I store extra nectar in refrigerator up to two weeks. Change feeder nectar weekly if located in shade.  Every three or four days if in direct sun. More often during very hot days.

Wash and rinse feeder thoroughly at each nectar change to avoid mold buildup.

This recipe offered as a service to customers of Go Wild With Birds, 107 Church St. Neenah

P.S.  When at the store, ask Marie why she now labels the pitcher of nectar she stores in her home refrigerator...can you guess why?  Hint...she is the mother of two growing boys.

Go Wild Marie's Squirrel Proofing Parameters

Hanging Feeders

Feeder should have a radius of 10-12 foot clearance upward (other than the chain or hook), around, and below it from any launching point (branch, tree trunk, deck railing, rooftop, air conditioning unit, etc.)

Use a hanging type squirrel baffle above the feeder threaded with chain or metal wire, following directions included with the store bought baffle. If making your own, come in and read the directions from the manufactured baffle in the store, and then buy a better quality feeder or accessory sure to increase your feeding enjoyment.

Pole or Shepherd Hook Mounted Feeders

Position pole or hook in ground with a 10-12 foot surrounding clearance of any launching point as stated above.  Position a squirrel baffle on the pole or shepherd hook at least 4.5 feet up from the ground.  Squirrel baffles, poles, and heavy duty shepherd hooks can be purchased at Go Wild With Birds, 107 Church St. Neenah, WI 54956

Go Wild Marie's Squirrel and Blackbird Deterrence Tips

For squirrels, use baffles on poles, shepherd hooks, or a suspended baffle threaded with chain or wire above hanging feeder.

If baffles are not desired, for both squirrel and blackbird problems, try feeding only safflower seed in feeders.

AND, JUST ARRIVED IN STORE....SQUIRREL AWAY , HOT PEPPER IN PACKAGES JUST RIGHT TO ADD TO 20# BIRD FEED! Made from the hottest pepper available.

Hanging Caged feeders are another good option for deterring both squirrels and blackbirds.  The cage surrounds the tube feeder and allows only small birds to enter the cage to feed at feeding ports along the tube.

Another good option is changing feeding strategy.  Switch to upside down suet feeders to keep blackbirds from devouring suet. Purchase them at Go Wild With Birds, or come in and ask Marie for her "super secret make your own upside down feeder trick". Then purchase three suet cakes from her store while getting that secret.

Focus on Nyger for Goldfinches, and feeding Orioles, and Hummingbirds while nature provides other good sources of food for the rest of the birds during the warmer months. Go Wild With Birds would be a handy place to purchase great Nyger, too!  It's at 107 Church St. Neenah, WI 54956