<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd“>
By zp7op Contributor
Throughout the warmer months, many backyards are frequented by a variety of birds, including the remarkable hummingbird. As flowers and trees begin to flourish and other migratory birds, such as warblers, return, it signals that it’s time to prepare your yard for these tiny marvels.
Watching hummingbirds—their name derived from the humming sound made by their rapidly flapping wings—is a delightful experience. Their small size and incredible speed make them remarkable creatures. Hummingbirds can zip through the air at speeds of 25-30 miles per hour, flapping their wings about 70 times every second. They can fly in all directions, including backward, and can hover elegantly mid-air.
The vibrant colors of these birds come from the iridescence created by the arrangement of their feathers rather than from pigments. Moreover, hummingbirds boast the fastest metabolism among all animals, consuming food equivalent to 1-2 times their body weight each day. They sip nectar nearly 12 times a second, drawing it into their mouths.
To enhance your chances of spotting these energetic little birds in your yard, consider the following tips from the experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products:
Be mindful of beneficial insects. Hummingbirds depend on insects for essential protein to complement their nectar intake. To attract these insects, try placing some overripe fruit near the feeders and leave it out until insects arrive to make a meal for the hummingbirds.
Leave spiderwebs undisturbed. Hummingbirds often utilize spiderwebs as building materials for their nests and to catch insects that become ensnared within the strands.
Provide a water mister. Hummingbirds enjoy bathing, and a mister can create the fine mist they prefer. Once wet, they will seek out a perch to preen.
Include small perches. Set aside small, sturdy, bare branches as perches for hummingbirds. These spots serve as resting places, places for preening, and vantage points for spotting insects. Once hummingbirds discover a favored perch, they tend to return to it repeatedly.
Hang hummingbird feeders early. Feeders are one of the most effective methods to consistently attract and encourage hummingbirds to visit. However, not all feeders are created the same. For instance, Cole’s Hummer High Rise Feeder features elevated perches designed to make the birds feel secure and comfortable, promoting their regular visits.
Though hummingbird feeders may draw bees and ants, this particular feeder is designed to minimize pest issues. It is engineered to prevent dripping, making it difficult for larger bees to access the nectar, and it includes an ant moat to keep ants away from the nectar when it is filled with plain water. Since birds sip from the moat, avoid using any repellents or additives.
As hummingbirds are territorial and reluctant to share feeders, install multiple feeders at a sufficient distance apart to attract more birds. To ensure a continuous flow of visits, position feeders in shaded areas to prevent the sugar solutions from fermenting, and check the feeders every two weeks to keep the food fresh, cleaning them with a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water as needed.
Plant flowers. Trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm, and sage are especially appealing to hummingbirds as they provide ample nectar. These birds consume about 1.5 times their body weight daily, feeding every 10-15 minutes and visiting between 1,000 to 2,000 flowers each day.
Select the right nectar. Not all nectar is created equal, and hummingbirds can distinguish between different types. Many commercial nectars contain only one sugar source—sucrose—due to lower production costs. In contrast, natural flower nectar comprises three sugar sources—sucrose, fructose, and glucose—in varying proportions depending on the flower.
Carefully researched and formulated to attract the widest variety of hummingbirds, Cole’s Nature’s Garden provides a nutrient-rich, high-energy nectar made with all three types of organically sourced sugars favored by North American hummingbirds, combined with a spring water base. This nectar closely mimics the natural sugar ratios they prefer and offers a healthier, all-natural alternative to table sugar.
Remember, hummingbirds have excellent memories; once they discover your hummingbird-friendly environment, they are likely to return annually if reliable food sources remain available. For more information, visit coleswildbird.com.
