Are you looking to attract more hummingbirds to your backyard? While this requires a bit of patience, these beautiful creatures naturally enhance your garden and support plant life by pollinating. Creating the ideal hummingbird habitat is easier than you may think!
By following a few simple tips, you can be on your way to becoming a hummingbird haven.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need To Get Started:
- Brightly colored flowers, preferably red or orange
- 2 or 3 tiny basin-style red feeders
- Small bird bath
- Sugar water
- Mesh bag (old onion bag)
- Overripe fruit
- Shrubs
Step One: Plant The Right PlantsÂ
In order to create a backyard habitat that is inviting for hummingbirds, there are a few things you can do. First, provide plenty of native plants for them to feed on. Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, so try planting some that will stand out in your garden. Red and orange blooms are particularly enticing to these little birds. Consider adding trumpet creeper, bee balm, or red columbine to your garden.
In addition to flowers, hummingbirds also enjoy feeding on insects. So, by creating a space that is rich in both nectar and bugs, you will be sure to attract these feathered friends. They love nectar from flowers, so planting native flowering plants is a great way to start.
Step Two: Add a Water SourceÂ
Another way to make your backyard more hospitable for hummingbirds is by providing a water source. A small birdbath or fountain can be the perfect spot for them to take a drink or cool off on a hot day. Just be sure to keep the water clean and fresh, as hummingbirds are very particular about their drinking water.
Step Three: Get The Right Feeders
It’s important to provide food for hummingbirds. You can acquire small basin nectar feeders and place them in strategic locations around your yard.
You can purchase sugar water feeders at most hardware or home improvement stores. Be sure to clean them regularly, as the sugar water can spoil quickly and attract ants or other pests. Fill the feeder with fresh sugar water every few days and enjoy watching the hummingbirds visit your backyard!
Step Four: Give Them a Sweet Treat
Sugar water feeders are a great way to attract hummingbirds to your backyard! These little birds are attracted to the sweet nectar, and they will often visit these feeders multiple times a day.
The sugar water ratio for hummingbirds is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. This means that for every one cup of sugar, you will need four cups of water. You can either make a concentrated solution and then add water to it, or you can make a simple syrup by boiling the water and sugar together until the sugar is dissolved. Either way, be sure to use sterile materials and clean feeders regularly to avoid mold or any risk of infection or disease.
Step Five:Â Keep Unwanted Bees AwayÂ
Bees are attracted to sugar water feeders for hummingbirds, so it is important to take measures to keep them away. One way to do this is to use a feeder that has a built-in bee guard.
Another option is to add a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar to the sugar water to make it less attractive to bees.
Additionally, basin-style Hummingbird feeders are an excellent choice because the feeder posts are long enough for a Hummingbird’s beak, but small enough that bees cannot get through.
Finally, keep the area around the feeder clean and free of debris where bees could hide. By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds without having to worry about bees.
Step Six: Avoid Territory DisputesÂ
If you’re trying to attract hummingbirds to your yard, it’s important to know that they can be pretty territorial creatures. To keep them from chasing each other away, set out two or three feeders in different areas of your yard. That way, they’ll all have a chance to eat without getting into too many fights.
Step Seven: Provide Protein-Rich FoodsÂ
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, providing them with a protein-rich food source is a great way to do it. Fruit flies are a favorite food of hummingbirds, so putting out a few chunks of overripe fruit in a mesh bag can be a real treat for them. Plus, it’s easy to clean up after since you can just throw the bag away when you’re done.
Step Eight: Provide ShelterÂ
Another way to attract hummingbirds is by providing them with shelter. They love dense foliage where they can build their nests and raise their young. Adding trees and shrubs to your landscaping is a great way to give them the hiding spots they crave.
In Summary
The ideal backyard hummingbird habitat is one that provides these tiny birds with everything they need to survive and thrive. By creating a space that includes plenty of nectar-rich flowers, perching areas, and shelter from the elements, you can attract these beautiful creatures to your yard and provide them with a safe haven. In return, they will bring you hours of enjoyment as they zip around, chase each other, and sip nectar from your flowers. So, what are you waiting for? Create your own backyard hummingbird haven today!
