Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Hospitality
To appreciate the beauty of hummingbirds year after year, consider creating an inviting environment aimed at meeting all of the bird’s needs. Hummingbirds are attracted to environments that are plentiful and prove to be safe nesting spots. With the right flowers, food source, and nest-building materials, your backyard can become the favorite hummingbird hotspot and even a breeding ground for these birds.
Planting the Right Flowers
Artificial Feeders
According to the Hummingbird Society, filling your garden with an array of “wild flowers and exotic flowers” naturally attracts hummingbirds, for they “increase the number of small insects that hummingbirds require for their survival." Preferably, blooms take a tubular form and lack in fragrance so that insects will refrain from disturbing the nectar. The following is an excerpt from the Hummingbird Society’s information pamphlet:
“Hummingbirds need to feed every 15 minutes and may visit as many as 1,000 flowers each day, so flowers need to be numerous and constantly regenerating. Red flowers are popular, but flowers of other colors also contain nectar and attract hummingbirds. Seek flowers with a long bloom period and make sure that a great hummingbird flower is in bloom at every point during your hummingbird season, especially during the spring and fall migration periods.”
The society recommends several plants for various climates. Belonging to the mint family, Red Monarda or Bee Balm, flourishes in cooler weather and in moist soil. Fuchsia triphylla (Honeysuckle Fuchsia) is “best grown in containers, especially in cooler areas.” Ipomopsis rubra (Standing Cypress) “requires dry, well drained soil.” An example of an ideal warm weather plant is Erythrina herbacea (Coral Bean). (Hummingbird Society) You can read the pamphlet here.
“Coral bean” plant in bloom. Careful – This plant produces a toxic seed found in its pods. (from Wikipedia) Hummingbirds especially love this plant’s bright red color and easy-access flowers.
Flowers are natural nectar suppliers, but artificial feeders can be used as well. Artificial feeders should only be used if kept clean. Choosing the correct size feeder in relation to the population of hummingbirds in your area is crucial to maintaining a harmonious environment. The Hummingbird Society states: “Several small feeders are better than one large feeder and will support more hummers, helping deal with territoriality.” See their pamphlet for their sugar solution recipe.
Hummingbird drinking from an artificial feeder.
Predators
A praying mantis challenges its prey.
Providing hummingbirds with all of these necessities will create an inviting environment and a secure place for them to return after migration. These majestic creatures can surely brighten up any home.
Right: A shallow hummingbird bath.
Feeders should be placed at a minimum of 4 feet off the ground and away from potential predators. These predators include other birds, cats, snakes, squirrels, and even praying mantids. It is important to keep feeders away from nesting sites so as not to attract predators. (Hummingbird Society)
Water
Hummingbirds require more frequent bathing in comparison to other birds because of their sticky, yet daily routines. Adding a bit of water to your garden allows the birds to free their feathers of nectar. A shallow, preferably flowing water bath is ideal. (Hummingbird Society)
