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Hummingbirds Are Back! How to Welcome Them to the Four Corners

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Good morning!

I’m Lacy McKay.

It’s time for the KSJD outdoor report

Hummingbirds are making their return to the Four Corners, so now’s the perfect time to set up feeders to welcome them back.

To make nectar, mix one part sugar to four parts water — no need to add red dye, as it can be harmful to the birds.

Boil the mixture, let it cool, and fill your feeder.

Be sure to clean your feeder every few days to prevent mold and bacteria that could make the birds sick.

Hang feeders in a shady spot to keep the nectar fresh longer and consider placing multiple feeders to reduce territorial disputes.

You can also plant native flowers like columbine, penstemon, and trumpet vine to provide natural food sources.

Keep an eye out for early arrivals like broad-tailed and black-chinned hummingbirds, and get ready for even more as migration continues through the month.

That’s the KSJD Outdoor Report for today.

Also, download the Merlin app to help you identify birds. Get to know your feathered neighbors a little better.

Lacy McKay is the News Director and Morning Edition Host at KSJD Community Radio in Cortez, Colorado. They bring years of experience in audio production and community-centered reporting, with a focus on rural issues, public lands, tribal affairs, and civic engagement in the Four Corners region. McKay has produced and edited news features, interviews, and podcasts for broadcast and digital platforms, and works closely with regional partners through Rocky Mountain Community Radio to amplify local voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.
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