Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures known for their iridescent plumage and unique hovering ability. Watching them flit from flower to flower is a delight for any bird enthusiast. If you want to attract these tiny wonders to your yard, here are eight tips to help you do just that.
Flower Forward
Hummingbirds are drawn to flower nectar, making the presence of flowering plants essential in any hummingbird-friendly yard. Project FeederWatch head Emma Greig of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology recommends planting bee balm (Monarda) and cardinal flowers to entice these tiny birds.
Don’t Forget Trees and Shrubs
In addition to flowers, trees and shrubs play a crucial role in providing hummingbirds with nesting and roosting sites. These birds prefer to nest above ground on branches adorned with lichen, plant downs, twigs, and spiderwebs. Ensuring a safe and private environment for nesting is vital for attracting hummingbirds to your yard.
Embrace Native Plants
Sheri L. Williamson, author of A Palmer Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America, emphasizes the importance of native plants in attracting insects, which, in turn, provide food for native birds like hummingbirds. Audubon’s Native Plants Database is a useful resource for finding hummingbird-friendly plants tailored to your region.
Nix Pesticides
Pesticides pose a significant threat to hummingbirds, as their urine and excrement may contain harmful pesticide residues. To protect these delicate creatures, avoid using pesticides in your yard and opt for natural pest control methods instead.
Give the Little Guys a Big Sugar Rush
Hummingbirds rely on nectar as their primary food source. To supplement their diet, consider making homemade hummingbird nectar by mixing four parts boiling water with one part sugar. Remember to let the solution cool before adding it to your feeder.
Get a Good Feeder
When choosing a hummingbird feeder, opt for one with a transparent nectar area that allows you to monitor the nectar levels easily. Additionally, ensure that the feeder is easy to clean, as cleanliness is essential for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
Put the Feeder Close to a Window
Contrary to popular belief, placing your hummingbird feeder close to a window can actually increase bird safety. By doing so, birds are less likely to injure themselves if startled or spooked off the feeder, as they won’t fly into the window as quickly.
Alerting Birds to Windows
To prevent bird collisions with windows, use clings, stickers, or decals to make the glass more visible to birds. These simple yet effective solutions can help reduce the risk of injury or death caused by window collisions.
