Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
The first tip is the most logical one. Putting up a bird feeder designed explicitly for hummingbirds is one of the best ways to attract them.
There is no need to buy birdseed, they are not going to visit your normal bird feeders. Instead, you will need to buy a feeder that holds nectar (sugar water), which is a primary food source for hummingbirds. To fuel their active lifestyle, hummingbirds drink all day long. Check your feeder often.
Feeder formula
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1-part refined table sugar, 4 parts warm water
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Mix together until the sugar has dissolved
Seriously, it’s that easy. Regular table sugar is just sucrose, and when mixed with water, it closely resembles the natural nectar sources that hummingbirds find in flowers. Note: Do not use red food-coloring dye. It is hazardous to their health!
Location of your feeder
You don’t want to put your hummingbird feeder just anywhere in your yard! It’s best to be strategic with its placement, which will help attract more birds.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look around for the best places to hang your feeders:
- Look for areas near flowers that hummingbirds are already visiting.
- Place it close to shelter or perching areas, such as trees or shrubs. Try not to put it in the middle of your barren yard, as the hummers won’t feel protected.
- Think about yourself! Make sure you can see the feeders easily from inside your home so you can watch the show.
- Keep the feeder out of the sun. The shade will help slow the fermentation process of the sugar, which will help the nectar last longer. The video below shows that my hummingbird feeders almost NEVER have the sun shining on them.
Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to the color red, which is why most nectar feeders you see have a red base or top. Make sure that yours does too.
To initially attract hummingbirds, some people will put red streamers, ribbon, or tape hung around their yard. This helps to get the birds to investigate and hopefully find the feeder filled with delicious sugar water.
Check it out: Can A Simple Ribbon Trick Convince Hummingbirds to Stop by Your Feeder? – TUTORING YOU
Next comes the flowers
There are many plants that will help you attract hummingbirds to your home garden.
So what are the key qualities hummingbirds look for? Tubular flowers, bright colors (specifically red) and nectar production are particularly important. Nail all three, and these lively birds will be flocking to your flower sanctuary.
Here, we’ve listed flowers that check off all the hummingbird’s boxes. Keep in mind that you’ll want to plant a variety of these species so that nectar production is consistent throughout the season.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)
©laroy lindsey – Getty Images
Like the bird with the same name, cardinal flowers are a gorgeous red, which just happens to be a hummingbird’s favorite color. They’re also not lacking in shape, either. Their tubular flowers allow hummingbirds easy access to their abundant nectar.
Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-9
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Trumpet Vine (Campsis Radicans)
As their name suggests, these flowers resemble the horn of a trumpet. Their bright orange color and long tubular flowers make them the perfect food source for hummingbirds on the hunt.
Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-9
Sunlight: Direct sunlight
Lantana
Known for their versatility, lantana flowers bloom from spring all the way to fall, making them a consistent source of nectar for hummingbirds.
Hardiness Zone: Zones 9-11
Sunlight: Direct sunlight
You might ask, how will I know it’s a hummingbird at the feeder?
Well, I only have Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in my yard. The female is green, smallish. The male, however, is the real star with its bright red throat (and also small.) And both will fly like jets and hover like helicopters. Amazing! All I can tell you is that you will know one when you see one.
Now, let’s continue with our hummingbird attraction story. Check out this post for more flower info. Good stuff here!
16 Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden! – TUTORING YOU
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