For several weeks, I've been noticing a neighbor's new hummingbird feeder with bright red solution. It looked like they hadn't changed it in weeks and weeks and were using a hummingbird food "mix".

They are friendly to me and my dog so as we were walking by last weekend, I decided to say something. I asked if they knew that the feeders should be emptied, cleaned, and filled with fresh solution every 3 days. They didn't know that so the husband immediately took the feeder down and cleaned / refilled it. I mentioned about dealing with the black mold and using Q-tips to clean the feeder ports too.

We also discussed the red food coloring a little. As I guessed, they used a mix. I told them there is concern about the food coloring and that they should try and make their own solution - and also it would be cheaper. The wife vaguely knew of the coloring controversy. I didn't push that too hard but encouraged them to make their own solution (1 part sugar / 4 parts water) when they ran out of the mix. So, we'll see what happens with that. But at least the solution is fresh now.

I just wanted to report that we had a positive discussion and that they even thanked me for the information. In fact, they even invited me into their backyard and showed me their 2 ponds.

Wilmington, Delaware
USDA zone 7a
Heat zone 6
Sunset zone 32

Good for you Ron! You enlightened them!

sarah merion station, Pennsylvania zone 6B

Baby Steps there Ron. You did good. You amicably gave them the right info now the ball is in their court whether they use it or not.

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

I had a similar good experience with a neighbor 2 doors up. I think it was maybe 2 years ago. He knew that I fed hummingbirds and so he approached me to say that someone had given him and his wife a feeder as a gift. I didn't have to worry about approaching him because he came to me.

He was all ready to buy premix. It's not clear to me whether he was planning to use the red stuff or not, but I think he was tempted. He seemed surprised, but happy, when I assured him that plain old white sugar and water (1:4) would work great and would be cheaper, to boot! Of course, I also told him about the importance of frequent changing, and the probable dangers of red dye.

They've been model citizens, ever since, as far as I can tell. They're great people, very responsible, so I guess it's not surprising it worked out so well. The hummingbirds now chase each other across the in between yard that has nothing to offer but plastic flowers and a desert of chopped down trees.

I suppose I could have a chat with the "in between" neighbors about the benefits of trees, plants, gardens, and flowers, but I think it would fall on deaf ears, quite literally, as they are deaf. They are nice people, too, but seem completely uncompreheding about the pleasures of plants, and gardens, and the value of trees. Over the years they have cut down every single tree in their yard. Incredible. They even removed the buffer of trees behind their house that lies between their back yard and the four lane expressway that runs behind our houses. They don't notice the loud noise, but I sure do. They do enjoy watching "my" hummingbirds, but don't show any inclination to improve he habitat of their yard. I don't think there is anything I could say to enlighten them.

Ron-- Its so uplifting to hear a story like yours where people just didnt know and now they do and you did it in such a way that wasnt overbearing. Word of mouth can go a long way.

Steve
Martinsville, In
Heat zone 6
Sunset zone 35

It was a nice experience talking to my neighbors. They couldn't thank me enough.

They'd also noticed that I had gone out of my way to plant all the "right" hummingbird plants. The wife had read "Birds and Blooms" magazine which might have had some hummingbird articles.

Wilmington, Delaware
USDA zone 7a
Heat zone 6
Sunset zone 32