Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures, as they are the only bird to be able to fly backwards! It is the smallest bird in North America and is easily attracted to the color red. There are many different species of Hummingbirds, so depending on where you live will determine which ones you will see. The only species in the Eastern half of the U.S. is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. If you happen to live in the Western half, you will see a much greater variety. The Rufous, Black-Chinned, Broad-Tailed and Calliope to name a few. All are very colorful.

Putting up a nectar feeder is an easy way to attract them to your garden. Most feeders come with some red on them. You don't need to buy an expensive feeder, cheaper ones work just as well. It all depends on what your tastes are and the look of your garden. You can purchase pre-mixed nectar, powder that is mixed with water or you can make your own at home. To make your own nectar follow the recipe here:

1 Part Sugar to 4 Parts Water

Boil for 1-2 Minutes

Cool in Refrigerator

Do not use artificial sweeteners or honey and do not add food coloring. Store unused food in the refrigerator. It is important to clean the feeder on a regular basis, one to two times a week, especially in the hot summer months. Rinse with hot water or purchase a scrub brush narrow enough to get inside the opening of your feeder. I suggest that you don't fill the feeder to the top, as this will waste food if it's not eaten. If you clean your feeders regularly, you should not have a problem with mold.

Another way to attract Hummingbirds is with flowers. Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, so the combination of red flowers and your feeder should do the job nicely. Although once they find your garden and are a regular visitor, they will sip nectar from a wide variety of flowers. The best ones are tubular in shape, or have clusters of flowers at the top of a spiked stem. This gives them room for their wings as they sip the nectar. Some good choices are (and again this depends on where you live):

• Salvia
• Honeysuckle
• Bee Balm
• Cardinal Flower
• Trumpetvine
• Butterfly Bush
• Delphiniums
• Impatiens

Hummingbirds are not shy and I have had them come right up to my hanging baskets while sitting on my porch. They are territorial though and it's best to put out several feeders over the span of your property or you will have Hummingbird spats on your hands.

So follow my tips and you should be blessed with these tiny birds for years to come!