Did you know that hummingbirds could live right in your backyard? With a little effort, you can make a special place for them! All you need are food, water, a safe place to rest, and plenty of colorful flowers.
Step 1: Plan Your Garden
First, take a walk around your backyard. Where do you think hummingbirds would like to visit? Choose a spot with some sunlight and shelter from strong wind. Consider a place where they will be easy to watch. Once you choose your spot or spots, you can plan your garden.
Step 2: Pick the Right Plants
Hummingbirds are drawn to bright, colorful flowers. They particularly love red, orange, and pink hues. Their eyes are especially sensitive to warm colors. They like tube-shaped flowers. Their long beaks can easily reach in to drink the sweet nectar. The best flowers for them are easy to reach while they hover in the air, sipping nectar like tiny flying acrobats.
Look for native plants that attract hummingbirds. If you live in San Diego
like I do, great choices include salvia, fuchsia,
and honeysuckle.
Hummingbirds have excellent memories and will return to flowers that provided them with good nectar. To keep them visiting throughout the flower season, be sure to plant a variety of flowers that bloom at differing times.
Step 3: Hang a Feeder
Hummingbirds drink nectar from flowers, but feeders can help too! Boil 1 cup of granulated sugar with 4 cups of water until sugar dissolves. Cool.
Step 4: Get Buggy
Bugs? That’s right! Hummingbirds don’t just drink nectar; they eat small insects also, for protein. To protect the insects and birds, avoid using pesticides.
Step 5: Add a Bird Bath
Hummingbirds love to bathe and drink water. You can use a shallow bowl, a plant saucer, or even a small fountain. Add some small stones so they have a place to perch. Be sure to change the water often to keep it fresh.
Step 6: Keep your Sanctuary Clean
To keep your hummingbird friends healthy, make sure to clean your feeders regularly. Change the sugar water every few days. Trim your plants when needed.
Enjoy your Hummingbird Haven!
What a fun way to make a special place for these amazing birds! With a little effort, your backyard can be a home for them. Watching them zoom around your flowers is fun and exciting.