Sugar-water feeders for hummers are a common sight in Northwest
gardens. But besides needing nectar for carbohydrates,
hummingbirds also need protein, especially while feeding
youngsters. (In fact, many birds start their young out in the
spring on a diet that emphasizes high-protein insects, switching
later to seeds.) So here's a tip with that in mind: In an area
near your hummingbird feeder, place a peeled banana or overripe
fruit in an old mesh bag to attract fruit flies. The flies will
serve as a source of protein for hummers.You can find more tips
on feeding hummingbirds at the Audubon Society website. One
especially important point: Since hummers eat insects, using
garden pesticides is a bad idea if you want them to survive and
continue to visit your feeders. -- Homes & Gardens of the
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