Everybody loves Hummingbirds. It is one of the few species of birds that will always get somebody to smile, point and say “Look!” This is due to its size and unique flight mechanics and the perception that they are a rare thing to observe. Actually, Hummingbirds are quite common but routinely go back again and again to known and reliable food sources. This means that those that know the secrets to attracting these colorful and exciting birds will enjoy an embarrassment of Hummingbird riches.

The most common way to attract Hummingbirds is to buy a dedicated Hummingbird feeder. Everybody has seen the standard looking red and white plastic feeders. The reason that they all have red on them is that Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red more than any other color. Hummingbirds have no sense of smell and feed strictly on sight, so when picking a feeder, color is the most important factor to consider. By the way, don’t get sucked in to picking a feeder that has 5 or more ports with the idea that multiple birds will be feeding at once. Hummingbirds are defensive about their feeding sources and will usually be solitary feeders. A simple feeder with two ports is sufficient and will usually be more decorative as well. However, the more feeders you place in your backyard, the more Hummingbirds you will attract. Just make sure they are far enough away from each other and the birds will be happy.

Once you pick out the perfect feeder, you need to then fill it with a proper food source that will keep the Hummingbirds healthy and coming back again and again for more. You can buy pre made nectar or a nectar mix but the simplest and usually best method is to make your own. The recipe is simple and can be made in larger quantities in advance and stored for up to a week.

1 part sugar

4 parts water

Boil 1-2 minutes

Cool and store in the refrigerator

Do not use honey or artificial sweeteners to make the mix. Honey can be harmful to the birds and can cause a fatal fungal infection.

After you fill the feeder it is imperative that you keep it clean and fresh. A Hummingbird will quickly abandon a feeding source that has gone bad. Make sure you clean the feeder every 3-4 days and fill it with fresh nectar. Repeat this process more often in hotter weather. Do not use any harsh detergents or harmful chemicals. Just a small amount of chlorine bleach or white vinegar in water is sufficient to clean the feeder.

Beyond these basics, you need to watch out for ants and bees taking advantage of the free sugar source that your feeder represents. You can buy ant guards that sit on the wire or rope above the feeder and make it impossible for the ants to reach the nectar, but a small bit of petroleum jelly on the wire will also do the trick. Bees are another problem and can become a menace if not discouraged from feeding. Look for bee-proof feeding ports if they begin to be a problem.

If you follow these few basic guidelines then you will soon be attracting and enjoying Hummingbirds for years to come.