If you’ve been observing that there are a lot of hummingbirds in your yard, you might want to set up a spot for the birds to get the food which they need. Hummingbird feeders will keep these gorgeous creatures returning to your backyard every day, and there are many attractive products available that will complement your outdoor decor.

Hummingbirds eat the nectar contained in flowers, and it’s possible to make sugar water for the feeders that they will slurp up just as eagerly. Hummingbirds also feed on certain insects, so encouraging these birds to spend time in your yard is a great way to discourage pests.

Hummingbird feeders were first created by Laurence J. Webster somewhere around the 1920s to early ’30s. He had read a story in an issue of National Geographic on the subject of feeding hummingbirds from little glass bottles, and found a glassblower to design a similar feeder for him.

These days, there are many beautiful designs of hummingbird feeders that will not only provide your feathered friends with a tasty treat, but will greatly enhance your outdoor decor. Amazon.com has a fabulous selection of hummingbird feeders in a range of styles and prices.

Once you’ve found hummingbird feeders that suit your style, you’ll need to cook up the nectar which you will put inside the feeder. It’s really simple; you mix one part sugar with four parts water; boil the mixture for a couple of minutes, and let it cool. You can store the leftovers in the fridge. Don’t use honey or artificial sweeteners; honey ferments too quickly, which can lead to the development of lesions in the mouth of the hummingbird. And artificial sweeteners are devoid of any food value, so if the birds eat it, they won’t get any nutrients or energy.