Q: I’m making hummingbird nectar. If I remember correctly, where I came from in Virginia it was common knowledge that the nectar should be red to attract the birds. Do you agree with this?

A: No, the red nectar color is not necessary. The feeder color is what attracts the birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology suggests that a red ribbon on top of the feeder will also attract these fascinating creatures. Although local populations vary markedly each month, keep hummingbird feeders up all year long.