Backyard Hummingbirds Are Easy to Attract
It's Easy to Attract Hummingbirds
Attracting hummingbirds to your yard is easier than you might think. With the right feeder and homemade solution you will be well on your way to a delightful show.
Almost every part of the continental United States has at least one variety of hummingbird. It is fun to see them buzzing around the feeder in the yard but if you are alert, you will also see them in the wild. These birds love pink and red flowers but keep a look out around columbines, jewel-weeds, phloxes and morning glories too. In the milder areas of the country hummingbirds can be spotted year around.
Photo by AnnCam@Flick
Native Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are native only to the Americas and the early explorers like Columbus wrote about them in his log. Early colonists were unaware that hummingbirds even existed.
Of the 330 species of hummingbirds, all are found only in the Western Hemisphere and only 26 species of hummingbirds have ever been seen north of Mexico.
Set Up Your Feeder - If you feed them--they will come
The first step to attract hummingbirds to your yard is to purchase a feeder. There are many different kinds and styles depending on your budget. One thing is for certain -- the hummingbirds only care about what is inside the feeder so the cost and style is not an issue for them.
photo by flythebirdpath
Make Your Own Feeder Solution
Easy and Inexpensive!
Making the solution to put in your hummingbird feeder is so easy. All you need is sugar and water.
1. Mix one part sugar and four parts boiling water in a container and stir until all the sugar is dissolved. This mixture will be similar to the nectar found in their favorite flowers.
2. This solution will only last for three or fours days before it needs to be replaced due to the contamination of mold that will occur, especially in the heat of summer.
3. Hot water and a bottle brush once a week will keep your feeder clean.
TIP: I make triple the amount I will need to fill the feeder and keep the left oversupply in the fridge to use when needed -- it will keep for 2-3 weeks!
Does this sound easy?
Does it sound like starting and upkeeping a feeder is easy?
One of Our Feeders in Action!
This little hummer was a regular visitor at our feeder by the garage all summer.
Some Interesting Hummingbird facts
- Hummingbirds can only scoot sideways when perched - they cannot walk or hop. Hummingbirds spend most of their life perching.
- Hummingbirds need to eat at least one half their weight in sugar every single day. The average hummingbird feeds 5-8 times per hour.
- Hummingbirds do not suck nectar through their long bills, they lick it with fringed, forked tongues at the rate of 10-15 times per second while feeding. Their tongue is grooved like the shape of a "W".
- Hummingbirds are one of the most aggressive bird species. They regularly attack jays, crows and hawks that enter their territory.
- Different hummingbird species can breed together to create hybrid species, something that makes identifying hummingbirds very challenging.
- Hummingbirds can live 10 or more years in the wild.
- Hummingbirds can hear and see better than humans.
- Hummingbirds are can remember every flower they have been to, and how long it will take a flower to refill.
Hummingbirds have Long Tongues to Feed With
photo by cbede @ Flickr
A Sample of Available Feeders - Hummingbird Feeders
Just a few of the types of feeders available.
Hummingbird Mixture Pre-Made - (if you prefer to purchase it!)
Hummingbirds are Attracted to Flowers
Great Way to Invite One to Your Yard
Plant colorful flowers and the hummingbirds will come to you. They love the bright flowers in your garden and if you watch closely you will see a wonderful show.
Guides to Hummingbirds
www.ColleenLane.com
