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Welcome Back Tiny Friends! |
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Now that spring is trying to make its way, soon the humming birds will return! Let us welcome them to a safe feeding environment. I hope some of the following tips will provide you with much entertainment watching these awesome little birds zip around your yard! Visit or on line store at www.ChimesAndBirds.net to pick a hummingbird feeder for yourself!
This is North America's smallest bird weighing in as much as 2 paper clips! Boy talk about your "feather weight". Humming birds flap their wings on an average of 50 times per second which enables them to hover with ease. Despite the small size some are able to travel for hours at a time covering thousands of miles while doing so. No wonder they need all the food sources we can provide for them.
Humming birds are pollinators. This is done by pollen collection on their feathers and bill while feeding. Then the pollen is carried over to the next flower. Unlike insect pollinators, humming birds are attracted by sight not smell or fragrance. The color red usually means food to them, but color doesn't really matter as long as the flowers have nectar they can reach.
By choosing and selecting a large variety of flowers that will attract hummingbirds, they will receive a more balanced diet then just nectar feeding. Remember they have a slender bill & tongue that extends deep into flowers to sip the nectar. Choose flowers that accommodate such as hosta, foxglove, and delphinium and so on. Hanging baskets provide color, flowers and a close up view of the birds through out the season. Some ideas might be fuchsia or trailing petunias. Maybe you should consider a wildflower bed. Just be sure to allow spacing between plants so the humming birds can maneuver through the stems. No matter what option you use to attract these wonderful little birds, just enjoy the results!
Water is also needed for these birds. They need to drink water along with there nectar supply. Bathing at least daily is crucial to keep their rapidly moving wings cleaned. You may use a bird bath, shallow container or waterfall. They even enjoy flying through a sprinkler!
The following tips will help bring & maintain humming birds in your yard for a season of enjoyment.
• Clean feeders often. A solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water and rinse with warm water at least 3 times before refilling. Try putting some dry rice into the vinegar solution and shake vigorously to remove any dirt or build up.
• Fill humming bird feeders with sugar water. Mix 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. Boil for 1 -2 minutes. Cool completely before filling your feeder. NEVER use honey or artificial sweeteners as this will promote harmful bacteria growth. Red food coloring is also not recommended. This mixture can be stored in your refrigerator.
• Hang several feeders in your yard that are far enough apart so hummers cannot see one another; this will prevent one bird from dominating the rest.
• Hang humming bird feeders in the shade to avoid fermentation and spoilage of the sugar solution. Change the solution before it gets cloudy. About 2 times a week.
• Do to the fact that humming birds also eat insects for protein you should avoid using insecticides when ever possible. These can directly harm or kill the birds.
• Research when the hummers will be coming into your area and hang the feeders 2 weeks prior to their arrival. Look up when to remove them for the fall. In my location the rule of thumb is after Labor Day so they know to move on.
By choosing helpful plants, feeder maintenance & care we will enjoy the return of humming birds to our home for years to come. Plus our yard gains the curb appeal! Enjoy those little birdies!
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