Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!bu.edu!orc!decwrl!sdd.hp.com!hplabs!hpda!hpcupt1!hprnd!hprmokg!jackiec
From: jackiec@hprmokg.HP.COM (Jackie Christopherson)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: HUMMINGBIRD WARNING
Message-ID: <32320003@hprmokg.HP.COM>
Date: 31 Jul 90 14:36:53 GMT
Organization: HP Networked Computer Mfg. Operation
Lines: 25


       After reading some of the postings about Hummingbirds, I feel 
       compelled to enter this warning. 

       I think it's super that so many people want to feed the little 
       darlins, but a year or so ago, a friend showed me an article 
       about how and when to feed.  (I too, get great enjoyment out of 
       watching them at my feeder.) 

       The article stated that if you feed these birds "sugar water", 
       you are giving them something that will *soften* their bills...
       this ovbiously could be disasterious in the long run.  I now get 
       the feed mixture at my local pet store.  I read the article in 
       some authoritative magazine.  Will continue to look for it. 

       Also, it is great to feed the birds in the Springtime, but not 
       towards the Fall because if they think there is food for them, 
       they will ignore their natural instinct to go to warmer weather 
       in the winter...this also could be disasterous. 

       I hope I don't offend anyone with this news, but after all, we're 
       all in this group because we want the best for our fine feathered 
       friends! 

       JC