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Isn’t there something absolutely magical about spotting a hummingbird in your garden? Their vibrant colors and the gentle whirring of their wings can brighten up any day.
Here’s the good news – it’s totally possible to turn your own garden into a hummingbird hotspot. This blog post is going to show you exactly how to do that. You’re going to discover which plants attract hummingbirds the most, what kind of feeders to use, and even the best placement to ensure these tiny marvels pay you a visit.
The great thing about this guide is it’s not just for the bird-watching enthusiasts or garden pros out there. Whether you’re a beginner starting your journey, or an expert looking for some additional tips, this guide is designed for you.
Now, ready to turn your garden into a little piece of hummingbird heaven? Let’s dive in and get our hands a little dirty. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to start attracting these fascinating creatures right away. Let’s get started on this exciting adventure!
Trees, Shrubs, and Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
Because of their high activity level and their high metabolism, they need about half their weight in food daily according to Discover Wildlife. Their diet mostly consists of the nectar from flowers, although they do catch insects, especially when they are raising their young. Their reliance on the nectar of flowers requires them to continuously locate large areas of nearby flowering plants. Using the western U. S. as an example, in the spring, hummingbirds will stay in the lowlands. Then, they travel to the mountains in the summer and move higher in the mountains later in the season. They also locate trees where woodpeckers have created sap flows and feed there.
As hummingbirds feed on the nectar of flowers, they help pollinate the flowers. The flowers are usually fashioned for intended pollinators and block others. The hummingbird’s long beak is for this purpose.
To attract hummingbirds, the Smithsonian Institution recommends hummingbird feeders with long tubular flowers that hang down with orange or red petals. Specific flowers include bee balm, cardinal flower, columbine, coral honeysuckle, and trumpet creeper.
The Las Vegas Sun recommends the weeping bottlebrush. It is a small tree from Australia that produces bright, red flowers in the spring and summer. Not only does it attract hummingbirds, but butterflies love it as well. It should be planted in dry soil away from grass and windy areas.
Click the link to read one of our posts that talk about the best places to hang these feeders in your yard to attract these marvelous birds!
Bird Food That Attracts Hummingbirds
Unlike other birds, hummingbirds are not attracted by birdseed. You need the right flowers, a hummingbird feeder, and insects to attract hummingbirds.
Other Things That Attract Hummingbirds
Having a hummingbird feeder with a 26-percent, non-sticky sugar solution will also attract hummingbirds. You can have more than one feeder in your yard, but because of the hummingbird’s tendency to be territorial about food, keep the feeders 15 to 20 feet away from each other and out of the line of sight.
