Tanglefoot is a sticky substance spread on cards or balls to catch insects that attack flowers and fruit. It works well and is environmentally friendly – most of the time. If you use it, there is one problem with it that you should be aware of.

It can also catch and damage hummingbirds. They might be able to pry themselves loose, but may lose so many feathers that they cannot fly. Always check these traps daily and if you see feathers on the trap, be sure to thoroughly check the ground underneath for an injured bird.

If you find an injured hummingbird, carefully pick it up and put it into a small box or paper bag and take it to a quiet spot. Immediately call a local wildlife rehabilitation clinic or a local veterinarian, if you don’t know of a clinic, to find out who cares for injured wildlife in your area.

Hummingbirds need to eat often during the day in order to sustain their energy level. They will fall into a stupor, a catatonic like state, if they are without food for long. It is best to let experts care for the bird, but if it will be awhile before anyone can get it, you should attempt to feed it.

Take the little bird outside. This is a precaution in case it gets away and can fly. If you have a hummingbird feeder with fresh food, hold the little bird in front of it until it takes a drink. If you don’t have a feeder, hold an eyedropper full of nectar in front of its beak. The recipe for hummingbird nectar is below. To prepare the dropper, put a dab of red fingernail polish on the end and let it dry before you use it. Let the bird sip from the end. Don’t ever attempt to force any liquids into a bird. You will only most likely give it pneumonia.

Once you have revived the little one, get it to help right away. Don’t try to keep it. Too many wild animals are killed by well-meaning people who try to help. Let the experts in your community take care of it.

Hummingbirds are amazing little birds, quite feisty, but they do seem willing to tolerate our presence in what they think is their garden. Give the little birds a chance. Check those insect traps daily.

Mix hummingbird food 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. In other words, to make a cup of nectar, use a cup of water and a quarter cup of sugar. There is no need to add red food coloring. Never use honey or a sugar substitute in the mix. Boil the mixture for 1 or 2 minutes, just so the sugar totally dissolves. You don’t want it syrup-like so don’t boil it too long. You can cook it in a microwave, too, but I have found that mix fixed this way does not stay fresh as long as the cooked variety.