Do not add red food coloring. Let the solution cool before filling the feeder. Change the solution often, especially during warm weather. It is not necessary because birds have enough natural food in the wild, but it does not harm them, and is a good way to attract birds to your yard. Resident seed-eating birds may bring their families to your feeder.
Wild birds welcome water during times of drought.
Yes, but many species seem to prefer peanut butter when mixed with seed, oats, bread crumbs, dried fruit, nuts or berries. Offer them mealworms, plain fruit or suet mixed with fruit. English sparrows commonly intrude upon bluebird boxes. They are serious competitors and sometimes predators of bluebirds. If there is an English sparrow nesting in your bluebird house, remove the nest and eggs to discourage it from returning.