Hummingbirds can find a good source of food, water and shelter anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.They are fun to watch because of their small size and acrobatic flying maneuvers.You can create an environment in your yard with bright colors, feeders, and a garden that will attract hummingbirds and encourage them to stay.
Step 1: A hummingbird garden is a good place to start.
The natural way to get hummingbirds is to plant a garden that attracts them.There is a garden full of azaleas, bee balm, butterfly bushes, columbine, foxglove, hostas and morning glories.There are varieties that have very little smell, but have high visibility.You can use trees, vines, shrubs, and flowers, both perennial and annuals, these suggestions are just the beginning of the list.Other ideas include impatiens, coral bells, and cypress vine.The most appealing flowers to these little buzzing birds are the tubular flowers.
Step 2: Plant on a schedule.
During the spring and summer, different plants and flowers bloom.To make sure there are always blooms in your hummingbird garden, plant flowers that bloom early, mid-season, and late.Deadhead your flowers to make them bloom longer.If you cut off the seed heads after the blossoms have died, you trick them into thinking they still need to bloom.They will bloom once more.
Step 3: Do not use pesticides around your hummingbird plants.
Birds could be harmed or even killed by pesticides.Birds eat insects that are killed by spray so you would be killing their source of food as well.Don't use the pesticides.Some of the bugs may be taken care of by the hummingbirds.Always go all-natural, even if that means no pesticides or artificial sugars.Hummingbirds should only eat what is natural and safe.
Step 4: There are places for hummingbirds to perch.
Hummingbirds need breaks as well.They need a place to perch when they're not flying.If they need a rest, keep branches nearby.The male hummingbird protects his space and food source.He usually chooses a perching spot that allows him to watch the source and keep the competition away.
Step 5: Make your own drink.
Many people think that hummingbirds respond quickly with homemade nectar.It is necessary to make enough for each feeders to be 12 full.Don't use honey or sugar in place of regular sugar and store the liquid in a container in the refrigerator.There is no need for red food coloring to be added to the nectar.
Step 6: When it gets warm, hang hummingbird feeders.
To get multiple feeders, all of which should have red on them, and to keep competition at a minimum, is to really attract hummingbirds to a feeders.Is there enough red?It's easier to spot them if you tie a ribbon on them.When it gets warm, all depends on your location.Some places get warm in January and May.It's a good idea to hang them up at the beginning of the season so they stay a while.At the end of the season, don't take your feeders down.When the hummingbirds leave for the winter, you may get new ones that will use your feeders as a pit-stop.
Step 7: There are different spots to keep the birds from fighting.
Male hummingbirds are very territorial, so your feeders should be far apart and around corners.This will increase hummingbird numbers by giving other males, females, and juvenile a chance to feed without being chased away by a dominate male.You can put one or two in your garden, hang them up in a tree, or even put them in the front yard, where they won't be seen back.Pick areas that are shaded most of the day.The hummingbirds don't like mold growth.Some people like to hang their feeders together.The bird cannot fight off the other birds.
Step 8: If necessary, purchase an ant guard.
If your feeders don't have them built in, you can buy one separately.If you want to keep them away from the nectar, you have to clean them every couple of days.It is harder to get rid of bees.A bee-proof feeders is your best bet, but it won't work 100% of the time.If you see honey on the ridges of your feeders, it's time to wipe it up.
Step 9: Change the flower every few days.
You should change the nectar even if it isn't gone.It will mold more quickly in hotter climates if you don't.You should only fill your feeders half-full.Don't use dish soap to wash the feeders, rinse them out with hot water.If you see black spots, scrub it off or use sand and shake it to get the mold out.Hummingbirds prefer clean feeders and will abandon a neglected one.Keeping your feeders clean is important to keeping your hummingbirds happy.
Step 10: You can decorate your yard in red.
There are red garden flags, red lawn furniture, and red flowers, in addition to more natural touches.The color red is more attractive to hummingbirds than any other flower.You can turn your yard into a hummingbird magnet by hanging red bows, ribbons and decorations.It's a good idea to repaint if the paint is fading, dull or rubbed off.Red nail polish is cheap and works wonders if it is just a small area.
Step 11: You can use orange or red reflective tape.
It is thought that hummingbirds are sensitive to ultraviolet rays, which is why fluorescent tapes are useful.In most hardware stores, you can find surveyor's tape.
Step 12: You can install a fountain with an upward spray or mist.
The hummingbirds get enough water by drinking the water that gathers on the leaves.They need to bathe because of the sticky nectar they eat.They like a mist or spray to stay cool.It is easier for hummingbirds to find it if it is within sight of your feeders.The water should keep flowing.The water may evaporate quicker if the fountain is in the sun.It's a good idea to check it every now and then to make sure the water is running at the right level.