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Learn How to Attract Hummingbirds
Welcome to Hummingbirdsonly.com! Hummingbirdsonly.com contains valuable information about these fascinating birds, many different items that are used to attract hummingbirds and gift ideas for the hummingbird lover. We are dedicated to educating people about these fabulous birds and providing all the tools necessary to attract hummingbirds through the use of gardens, plants and feeders.
Welcome Hummingbirds to your Garden
It has been said that hummingbirds will search every square inch of their habitat in search of food. The following tips will describe how to attract hummingbirds to your yard.
Hummingbird Feeder Setup
Putting up a hummingbird feeder is the first step. Use a basic glass hummingbird feeder that is red in color at the base with home made (fresh) nectar.
Hummingbird Feeder Mixture - Nectar Recipe
Making homemade hummingbird feeder mixture with this hummingbird nectar recipe, is easy. Boil four-parts water to one-part sugar cane. Completely cool the nectar before putting in feeder. Unused nectar may be stored for up to three weeks in the refrigerator.
During cool weather nectar placed in a feeder can last up to a week. When weather drops below freezing, a three-part water to one-part sugar nectar solution may be used to keep from freezing down to approximately 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, Feeders should be pulled in and stored in the refrigerator at night, and/or swapped during the day (with a feeder in the refrigerator).
During hotter weather, nectar will need to be replaced every 2-4 days. A five-part water to one-part sugar may be used to slow down the spoiling process for the nectar.
In order to keep the hummingbirds happy, feeders should be thoroughly cleaned with hot water each time the nectar is changed or re-filled. Once a month, a diluted bleach solution should be used to soak the feeder for an hour. Do not clean your feeders with soap or place in the dishwasher.
Do not use red food coloring and do not use honey, as there is no study that shows any benefit and using honey can be fatal.
It is better to have multiple feeders that are smaller, than one feeder that is bigger. This will reduce the chance for one hummingbird to dominate the feeder and chase others off.
When first putting out a feeder, it may be best to put it away from your house, in an area visible from above, but less distracting. Feeders near houses are less likely to be seen. Additionally, movement from inside the house may scare the hummingbird away. Once you have some hummingbirds visiting your feeder, you may wish to move closer to your house for better viewing.
Feeders should be kept up for approximately one month after the last hummingbird has been spotted for any straggling migratory hummingbirds. Occasionally, some locations may have a hummingbird staying over the winter. Keep your eyes peeled!
Flowering Shrubs that Attract Hummingbirds
Another way to attract hummingbirds to your yard is by making your garden friendly towards hummingbirds. Attracting hummingbirds with plants is a fun way to draw hummingbirds to your house, and at the same time create a wonderful garden!
Generally speaking hummingbirds like nectar producing plants. Try to choose plants that bloom at different times of the year, during the time that hummingbirds are known to be present in your area. Native plants are best! Additionally, there are trees and shrubs that are favored by hummingbirds, particularly since hummingbirds spend most of their day resting, by perching.
There are many different plants that you can use for your hummingbird garden. We have compiled a chart that shows favored plants of specific species of hummingbirds, as well as plants that have been known to be favorable as trees and shrubs, window box plants, hanging box plants, vines, wildflowers, etc. Check out this Attract Hummingbirds With Plants chart. This chart breaks down information to plants attracted by specific types of hummingbirds as well as plants that do well in pots, hanging baskets, etc.
As there are literally 100’s of different plants that are attractive to Hummingbirds, you may also wish to consult your local nursery and/or garden club to see what plants do well in your area, as well as might not be included with this chart. While your local nursery may not be experts in hummingbirds, they probably get similar requests and have at least done a little research on the topic as it pertains to your area. Take this chart with you so they can scan the list! Native Plants are always BEST!
When you become comfortable in the garden, or if you already are, you may consider getting different plants that bloom at different times of your growing season. This will encourage hummingbirds to stay in your garden for as long as possible.
Please keep in mind that if you are attempting to attract hummingbirds for the first time, it may take awhile for them to find you, but they will eventually find you, if you are patient.
Using Water to Attract Hummingbirds
Adding water to your yard is another way to encourage hummingbirds to stick around. Water is especially appreciated during periods of hot weather. Moving water is appreciated even more particularly since it tends to stay fresher and cleaner then non-moving water. There are four general ways that you can add water to your garden.
Bird Bath - A bird bath is an quick way to add water to your garden. It is important to ensure that the bird bath is cleaned on a consistent basis. The one drawback with a bird bath is that the water is not moving.
Water Fountain - A water fountain has the benefit of utilizing running water and will add to your garden decor. Also, some water fountains have the ability of recycling water!
Dripper - A dripper also adds the benefit of moving water and in most cases can re-utilize the water if combined with a bird bath or used in a pond. A dripper can be combined with a bird bath to recycle the water and keep it fresh.
Low Flow Mister - A low flow mister (a gallon an hour) is inexpensive and is an easy way for hummingbirds to bathe as well as cool off on a hot day. Adding water may also attract other species of birds!
In March, 2006, I wrote an article for the Cascade Mountain Echo titled "Welcome Hummingbirds to your Garden" which you can download and print out if you like.
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