Raptor Education Group Inc. Asks Residents to Reconsider Feeding Birds with Jelly After Hummingbirds Found Coated in Jelly

Monday, June 5th, 2023 -- 12:00 PM

Earlier this week Raptor Education Group Inc. admitted three (3) adult Ruby-throated Hummingbirds from different areas, within a two-hour period.

They were covered in grape jelly. One patient was deceased on arrival; the others are alive but struggling. Other hummingbirds were admitted earlier in the month, and there is little doubt more will follow.

During the past few years providing grape jelly to orioles has become a popular alternative to the traditional orange slices/halves. But then, the use of jelly, the stuff we’ve always understood to be sticky, even as it covers the faces and clothing of our own children, bypassed logical use, and morphed into a multi-species, year-round jelly feeding frenzied fad.

A problem in hot weather is jelly “melts i.e. liquifies” somewhat and therefore more available to adhere to the birds body, feet and feathers. Some people added water to the jelly and began serving it in larger bowls.

This fad occurred even within the birding community. Businesses became involved, developing new types of jelly feeders and bird specific jelly. Orange halves are a healthier and more safe way to provide a high energy food. 

It would be good if we could stop feeding jelly to birds year-round. Migration is a situation where the use is reasonable as jelly can offer life giving energy to species such as adult orioles if they encounter inclement weather during migration.

Hummingbirds are not in the area during early spring and late fall migration. Therefore, there was no conflict when the idea of offering jelly was first introduced. Hummingbirds are so different than other birds.

Almost everything about them from their feathers to their method of flight is different and in conflict with encountering sticky material. Bird safer jelly is available at specialty stores such as Wild Birds Unlimited.

These stores work hard to assure safe food and safe feeders as well and will evaluate their safety. Hummingbirds do well with nectar and safe hummingbird feeders that allow them to eat with no spillage of nectar onto their feathers.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.