Tag: #hummingbirdfriendly

If your hummingbird-friendly flower garden isn’t working, your daily birdwatching may be akin to staring out a window like in a sad music video. If your feeders aren’t being used, you may need to employ some clever tricks to bring hummingbirds in. While there are many different ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden, some may work better than others.

A Simple Ribbon Trick

If you’re want to try something easy that doesn’t require you to plant flowers or invest in a new feeder, try this simple hack.  It may just bring more feathered friends to your feeder. Secure a red ribbon (or several) to your feeder.  Basically, this could help catch hummingbirds’ attention and convince them to stop by your yard. Once there, they can enjoy the nectar and any other flowers you have to offer to feed their appetite. Perhaps they just didn’t notice your feeder while flying around.  Unquestionably, this hack can help get their attention, so they keep coming back.

Red Lovers

It’s become fairly common knowledge among avid bird lovers that red is one of the colors that draws hummingbirds in. This is due to the cones in their eyes, which allow them to see red and yellow well.  They undeniably seek these colors while finding food. Many flowers in these colors produce the nectar these birds need.  Nectar is a source that fuels their high-energy burn. While many other flower species can also produce this nectar, their sight brings them to the red florals first. This is why using red ribbons to your feeders and even around your yard can help.

So, Tie Red Ribbons to Attract Hummingbirds

You can tie a few pieces of red ribbon along the pole where your feeder is attached, or to other areas like the hanging chain. Avoid placing ribbons where they could cover the holes where the birds sip.  Pesky winds can blow these pieces of fabric onto them and deter feeding. Keep in mind when trying this that it doesn’t take away from the aesthetic of your garden.

In fact, you can use red ribbon that is attached via a bow or in a small knot, so it can blow in the wind.  Doing this can actually create an aesthetic effect that not only pulls in hummingbirds but also elevates your space. You may want to try different tactics, such as tying on nearby trees to see if that draws them in. You can also attach red ribbons to the surrounding area, especially if there are flowers that the hummingbirds can feed from.

Once they are acquainted with your yard, they will likely come back on their own. However, the red does help to initially alert them to your space. If you have more than one hummingbird feeder in your yard, make sure to keep a good distance between each.  Also, keep the ribbons close to each feeder rather than placing everything in a general area.  These birds can be territorial and don’t always share their food well.

Source:  housedigest.com©

(Article edited for space)

Photo credit:  © Katie Dragon/Shutterstock

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We love attracting hummingbirds to our gardens with native plants and flowers. It’s also fun to watch them sipping fresh nectar from hummingbird feeders we set out. But if you’re looking for other ways to support these tiny, jeweled beauties, you may have seen products advertised as hummingbird swings. Will hummers actually use them—or are they just a cute addition to your garden decor?

First, it helps to understand the habits of hummingbirds. “Hummingbirds perch regularly despite their reputation for constant, hovering flight,” says Chad Witko, specialist, avian biology with the National Audubon Society. “Males often choose exposed perches to watch over feeding territories, and perching is especially common between feeding bouts and during territorial defense.”

In nature, that means they prefer to perch where they can check things out in safety. They tend to favor thin, exposed-to-semi-exposed branches and dead twigs that provide a clear view of their surroundings, especially on small shrubs or larger trees. “Perches are typically lightweight but stable, allowing for quick takeoff,” says Witko. “They are often located near nectar sources or along established feeding routes, where visibility helps with both foraging and predator detection. Hummingbirds rarely venture deeper into vegetation.”

With all the energy they burn up zipping about your garden, they also need to take a break occasionally. “They sometimes just need to rest their wings! The energy it takes to fly and get around means hummingbirds almost constantly need to be hunting down food—they have really high metabolisms,” says Holly Grant, Project Assistant, NestWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, albatrosses can ride the air currents that crest over ocean waves and the updrafts continually keep them airborne over the sea. But most other birds, including hummingbirds, have to use a lot more energy to keep themselves airborne and need a lot more rest stops.”

Will Hummingbirds Use a Hummingbird Swing?

There are no guarantees but adding one could be a fun add-on to your hummingbird-friendly garden. “A swing likely mimics the thin, flexible, exposed perches that hummingbirds naturally prefer, such as small twigs,” says Witko. “The fact that it is a ‘swing’ likely offers no particular benefit, but it also isn’t a deterrent—hummingbirds routinely perch on branches that move in the wind.”

For us humans, it’s decorative. But when placed strategically, it can serve as a convenient resting and lookout point for the birds. “In effect, it functions as an artificial perch in spaces where natural options may be limited,” says Witko.

Interestingly, some species, like Anna’s Hummingbirds specifically, have been reported to have built their nest on a swing like this. “I would say it’s too uncommon of a behavior to ‘expect’ them to nest on it,” says Grant. But you certainly can provide a swing, if you like, to see what happens in your own backyard!

Where Should I Put a Hummingbird swing?

Place swings near nectar sources such as flowering plants or feeders, ideally within a few feet. “Positioning them in partially shaded areas can provide cooler resting spots, especially in warmer climates. Elevated placement—near eye level or slightly higher—likely will help hummingbirds feel secure while maintaining good visibility,” says Witko.

You will want to avoid dense cover where predators could ambush. Also, be mindful of placing swings in areas where window collisions can be a problem. “Just like feeders, the safest swings are likely those close to windows, 3 feet or less, or far enough away that windows are not an issue,” says Witko.

Along those same lines, a perch in the sun can help hummingbirds stay warm on chilly spring days. “Some hummingbirds go into ‘torpor’ at night, which is a state where they have a very slowed-down heartbeat to help them save energy,” says Grant. “But the sun is a big help to warm them up faster when it’s time to wake up.”

Source:  Country Living©

Photo credit:  © Amy OBryan © clark42 – Getty Images

To attract Mother Nature’s version of the hovercraft and keep them coming back, avoid these common mistakes with hummingbird nectar and feeders.

To enjoy watching hummingbirds, you’ll need a healthy feeding station where they can quickly fill up.  Despite their small size, they eat a lot. These jewel-feathered whirling dervishes eat half their body weight in bugs and nectar each day, according to the National Audubon Society. That’s the equivalent of visiting more than 1,000 flowers.

A hummingbird feeder makes it much easier for them to get enough fuel. Here are eight common mistakes you can avoid when putting out hummingbird feeders.

How to Make Hummingbird Nectar

The standard recipe for homemade hummingbird nectar is four parts water to one part sugar. So, depending on how big your feeder it, that could be two cups of water for every half cup of sugar or four cups of water to one cup of sugar. That’s it.

Tap water is generally fine to use. If your water source is high in minerals, put it in a glass measuring cup and microwave until it boils. Hot water dissolves the sugar more quickly, and leftover nectar stores better (up to a week) in the refrigerator.

Using the Wrong Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Ratio

Make sure you double check your math when prepping the hummingbird nectar, especially if you’re prepping a larger batch for your feeder. It may be easiest to start with the sugar amount and then multiply by four rather that starting with the water amount and then dividing.

Trying Hummingbird Nectar Recipes with Honey or Other Sugars

Honey and maple syrup have soared in popularity with “no sugar added” becoming a frequent selling point for cereals and sweets. With hummingbirds, though, the National Audubon Society advises sticking with refined sugar. Honey, when diluted with water, can cause fungus growth. Organic, natural and raw sugars might have levels of iron that could harm the birds. Say “no” to molasses, brown sugar or sugar substitutes as well.

Adding Red Food Dye to Hummingbird Nectar

While the color red does draw hummingbirds, most feeders already have red or yellow on them. That’s enough to catch hummingbirds’ attention without potentially harmful dyes. If you want to draw more attention to your feeder, hang it near a hanging basket of hummingbird-friendly flowers, such as petunias.

Filling Hummingbird Feeders Only Once a Week

Plan to change out the nectar every three to four days. You may need to refill it daily in the peak heat of summer when birds need more hydration, and near the end of summer when hummingbirds are bulking up for migration. If you notice nectar turning cloudy, replace it immediately.

Topping Off the Hummingbird Nectar

It may be tempting to top off the nectar already in your feeder, but it’s important to empty it and clean it with mild detergent each time, according to the International Hummingbird Society. Refill with fresh sugar water.

Not Sterilizing the Hummingbird Feeder

At least once a month you should soak feeders in a bleach solution (one tbsp bleach per cup of water) before rinsing it thoroughly. Sterilizing the feeder helps avoid fermentation, mold or fungus that can harm hummingbirds. Some glass hummingbird feeders are dishwasher safe. It’s always best to check the recommendations of your feeder’s manufacturer.

Low Hummingbird Feeder Placement

It may be tempting to use a shepherd’s hook to integrate your feeder among garden flowers, or to keep it at eye level near outdoor seating. Don’t. Proper hummingbird feeder placement should be at least four feet off the ground and away from tree trunks, retaining walls or steps where roaming cats and other predators can lurk and capture hummingbirds.

Sparking a Feeder War

A super-sized feeder with several nectar ports might attract more hummingbirds, especially more mild-mannered females. Unfortunately, males, in particular, can be fiercely territorial. One alpha male hummingbird can claim a feeder and doggedly chase all others away. Consider more than one feeder and place them in different locations.

Source: familyhandyman.com