Q. I recently made a trip to New Mexico to see a friend. They had an abundance of hummingbirds at their feeder every morning. Are there hummingbirds in the Grand Forks area, and what can one do besides a hummingbird feeder to attract them?
A. Yes, there are hummingbirds in the Grand Forks area and points well to the north, judging by the hummingbirds we regularly see flitting to the feeder at the home of friends who live near Lockport, Man., northeast of Winnipeg.
According to Heidi Hughes of the Agassiz Audubon Society, the ruby-throated hummingbird is common in Grand Forks. But if you go to eBird.org and type in your address, you will get a list of all the birds likely in your neighborhood.
Hughes said the best way to attract hummingbirds is to plant native flowering plants. If you provide a hummingbird feeder, be sure to clean it daily or at least weekly with hot soapy water, Hughes said.
She also recommends not using pesticides in your yard. "Hummers eat bugs, too," Hughes said.
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If you have a hummingbird feeder, the correct solution for "nectar" is 1 part sugar (not Kool-Aid, Jell-O, honey or sugar substitute) to 4 parts water.
If you have a question for Talkin' with Dokken, call (701) 780-1148 or send an email to bdokken@gfherald.com .
