how to create a hummingbird-friendly yard
There’s nothing like seeing a vibrant and beautiful hummingbird flitting in and out of your garden. They bring an energy that is indescribably delightful, but have you ever wondered how to make sure those remarkable creatures come back again and again for visits? Lucky for you, it doesn’t take much effort.
With a few simple tweaks, any yard can become an inviting oasis for these feathered friends! By selecting plants that will draw them in, providing adequate water sources, and other conditions that meet their needs, almost anyone can create a hummingbird-friendly paradise in no time at all.
Embrace the Power of Flowers
If you're looking to attract hummingbirds, you’ll first need a colorful selection of flowers for them to stick their beaks in. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to flowers with sweet nectar. As they travel between blossoms, hummingbirds act as natural pollinators for flowers.
Hummingbirds love flower varieties such as cardinal flowers, bee balm, and fuchsia hanging baskets. Additionally, hummingbirds will delight in other vibrant flowers, such as the trumpet honeysuckle, eastern red columbine, and some milkweed species, including swamp and common milkweed.
Planting these mixed flowers will ensure you have hummingbirds in your garden all year round!
Provide Plenty of Hiding Spots
Ensuring you create plenty of hiding places in your backyard is essential for attracting hummingbirds. Trees and shrubs provide great hiding spots for the birds since they like to nest and roost in secluded spaces but not too close to the ground.
Hummingbirds create cuplike nests with bits of lichen, plant down, fibers, and spiderwebs that they attach to branches. To attract hummingbirds and an abundance of insect life, consider incorporating native plants such as pagoda dogwoods and flowering dogwoods into your yard.
Having adequate shrubbery in your backyard is a great way to ensure that your new hummingbird friends feel safe and secure whenever they stop by for a visit.
Stay Away From Pesticides
The hummingbirds who visit your yard have enough to contend with - droughts, storms, and hungry predators. Why should they also face the risk of being exposed to pesticides?
Avoiding pesticides is one of the best ways to ensure hummingbirds remain regular visitors. Research has found high levels of pesticides in hummingbirds' urine and feces, leaving them vulnerable to disruptions in their migratory instincts, weight loss, and a lack of food.
Plus, insecticides can kill off the spiders that hummingbirds use for nest-building materials. Keep hummingbirds safe by avoiding chemical treatments in your yard.
Pick Out The Right Hummingbird Feeder
When hummingbirds come to brighten up your backyard, you need a suitable hummingbird feeder. Instead of wasting time comparing all the hummingbird feeders available on the market, there are only two essential elements you should look out for.
Firstly, you want a hummingbird feeder that is easy to dismantle and can be easily cleaned. This thorough cleaning will ensure that hummingbirds remain safe when using the feeder, as cloudiness in the nectar is usually a sign of bacteria or fungi that can be harmful.
Secondly, you want to purchase one where you can see into the area containing nectar, as this will help you know when it needs to be cleaned. We recommend cleaning it every 2-3 days during warm-weather months.
Our advice? You can’t go wrong with the classic red, pinch-waist hummingbird feeder. These are budget-friendly, durable, and can be purchased pretty much anywhere.
Happy hummingbird season!