Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:24:59 -0400
From: Anne Flannery
Subject: Hummingbird feeder and yellow jackets
Ok, I’ll admit it, I LOVE my hummingbirds. I figured out a way to keep the ants out of the feeder for the past few years but now I’m stumped. Every time I fill up the feeder, the yellow jackets come from everywhere to feed. I’ve even got a couple of HUGE yellow jackets out there.
It’s really disheartening to see my hummingbirds not able to get near the food they so desperately need. I’m concerned that they will die without something to drink. There are so few of them this year. In years past, there were so many that I used to say it was like “hummingbird Highway” on my front porch. This year, I’m at my wits end trying to defeat these yellow jackets so my hummers can get their nutrituion.
Anyone have any suggestions on what can I do other than take the feeder down completely and let the birds fend for themselves?
Thanks for your help! Anne