You can use trees, vines, shrubs, and flowers, both perennials and annuals – these suggestions are just the beginning of the list. Other ideas include honeysuckle, cypress vine, coral bells, and impatiens. Tubular flowers hold the most nectar; therefore, these types of flowers are the most appealing to these little buzzing birds. [1] X Research source
Deadhead your flowers, too, to keep them blooming longer. This means that after blossoms have just wilted, you cut off their seed heads, tricking them into thinking they still need to bloom. They’ll bloom once more healthily and heavily.
To be safe, always go all-natural, whether that means no pesticides or no artificial sugars in your nectar. Hummingbirds have delicate systems and should only ingest what is natural and safe.
The male hummingbird is territorial, and guards both his space and food source. Typically, he will choose a perching spot that allows him to watch the source and keep the competition away.
Combine 1 part sugar with 5 parts water Boil 1-2 minutes Cool and store the liquid in a resealable container in the refrigerator Don’t use honey or sugar sweetener in place of regular sugar. Also, there’s no need to add red food coloring to the nectar—although some red color on the feeder itself can be helpful.
As for “when it gets warm,” that all depends on your location. Some locations get warm in January, some in May. Whenever that is for you, make sure to hang them up at the very beginning of the season (5-10 days before you expect them) so your hummingbirds stay a while! Don’t take your feeders down at the end of the season! Even when your hummingbirds leave for the winter, you may get new hummingbirds that are en route somewhere that could use your feeders as a convenient pit-stop.
Nestle one or two in your garden, hang one up in a tree, and even consider putting one or two in your front yard, where it’s a sure thing they won’t be seen around back! Try to pick areas that are in the shade, at least most of the day. This will deter mold growth, which hummingbirds are not fond of. [2] X Research source Some people prefer to hang all their feeders together. This one no bird can be dominant, unable to fight off the wards of other birds.
Bees are a little harder to get rid of. A bee-proof feeder is your best shot, but even that won’t work 100% of the time. If you see nectar on the ridges of your feeder (as dripped by the birds), wipe it up to reduce temptation to the bees.
With each changing of the nectar, rinse out the feeder with hot water; don’t use dish soap. If there’s mold (you’ll see black spots), scrub it off or use sand and shake it until the mold comes loose. Hummingbirds prefer clean feeders, and actually will abandon a feeder that is neglected. To keep your hummingbirds happy, keep your feeders clean. [4] X Research source
If anything is becoming faded, dull, or the paint has rubbed off, repaint it! And if it’s just a small area that needs a touch up, red nail polish is cheap and works wonders.
Place this within sight of your feeders – as hummingbirds best sense is sight, the easier it is to see, the easier it is for them to find. Keep the water flowing! If the fountain is in the sun, the water may evaporate quicker than you realize. Check it every other day or so to make sure the water is running at the right level and no other animals have tainted the water.
