Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures known for their vibrant colors and remarkable agility in flight. Attracting these tiny birds to your yard can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to observe them up close as they flit from flower to flower. Here are eight ways to make your yard a hummingbird haven:
1. Go Flower Forward
Hummingbirds are drawn to flower nectar, making it essential to plant a variety of flowers that appeal to them. Consider adding bee balm (Monarda) and cardinal flowers to your garden, as recommended by experts at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
2. Don’t Forget Trees and Shrubs
In addition to flowers, trees and shrubs play a crucial role in providing nesting and roosting spots for hummingbirds. Ensure your yard has a variety of trees and shrubs that offer safety, privacy, and elevated perches for these tiny birds.
3. Embrace Native Plants
Native flowers not only attract hummingbirds but also support local ecosystems by providing food for insects, which in turn, serve as a food source for native birds. Use resources like Audubon’s Native Plants Database to identify hummingbird-friendly plants native to your area.
4. Nix Pesticides
Pesticides pose a significant threat to hummingbirds and other wildlife. Avoid using pesticides in your yard, as hummingbirds can ingest harmful chemicals from contaminated nectar, leading to health issues or even death.
5. Give the Little Guys a Big Sugar Rush
Supplement natural nectar sources by providing a hummingbird feeder filled with a homemade sugar solution. Mix four parts boiling water with one part sugar, then cool the solution before adding it to the feeder.
6. Get a Good Feeder
Choose a hummingbird feeder that allows you to see into the nectar area and is easy to clean. Opt for feeders with bright colors to attract hummingbirds and avoid ones with built-in perches, as they can attract unwanted visitors like bees and ants.
7. Put the Feeder Close to a Window
Contrary to popular belief, placing the feeder closer to a window can actually make it safer for hummingbirds. This way, if they get spooked or see a predator, they won’t fly into the window as fast, reducing the risk of injury.
8. Prevent Window Collisions
To prevent hummingbirds from colliding with windows, use clings, stickers, or decals to make the glass more visible. Alternatively, install screens or netting outside windows to create a barrier that birds can see and avoid.
