Are you having trouble attracting hummingbirds? Sometimes hanging a feeder is
simply not enough. Consider creating a hummingbird habitat.
It does not take a lot of space to create a hummingbird habitat. In fact,
you can attract hummingbirds with plants in hanging baskets or patio planters.
No matter what your situation, with a little planning you can create a habitat
for attracting hummingbirds.
When planting flowers to attract hummingbirds, use flowers of like color
in large groups instead of single plants scattered around. Hummingbirds are
attracted to color and it will be easier to catch their attention with a large
patch of color.
Perennials are a good choice since they grow back year after year. Studies
have shown that hummingbirds will return to the same feeding places from year to
year and perennials will provide a consistent food source.
Some of my favorite perennials are: Coral Bells, Red Bee Balm, Foxglove,
Cardinal Flower, Bleeding Heart and Red Columbine.
Annuals will work well in a new garden since they bloom quickly. They
are also relatively inexpensive, making it affordable to plant them in large
numbers. I have had good success with salvia and red petunias. You can also
save money if you grow your own plants from seed. And if you start them
early indoors, they will bloom sooner when planted outside. You should plant
your gardens as early as possible to insure that blossoms are available when
hummers arrive in your area.
It is also helpful to use a variety of flowers that will bloom at different
times. This will insure that nectar is available throughout the spring and
summer.
You should minimize the use of insecticides. Nectar is only part of a
hummingbird’s diet. They also enjoy feeding on tiny flying insects and spiders.
Adding a water source is another great way to encourage hummingbirds to
visit your yard. A shallow birdbath or mister is a major attraction for
hummingbirds. They get all of the water they need from nectar, but hummers love
a daily bath. If you use a shallow birdbath, place it in the hummingbird garden
near a shrub, preferably in the shade. If you use a mister, place it near
broad-leafed plants. Hummers will bathe in the pools of water that collect on
the leaves (this is especially fun to watch).
Once you have created your beautiful, natural hummingbird habitat it is time
to add a few hummingbird feeders. Since hummingbirds are territorial you will
attract more birds if you spread your feeders out.
Finally, make sure you set up a place for hummingbird viewing. Choose a spot
in the shade (a respectful distance away) to quietly enjoy the fruits of your
labor.
This project is a great way to get the entire family involved in the
wonderful hobby of bird watching. Your children will be fascinated with the
success of your natural hummingbird habitat. You can use this project to show
them just how wonderful nature is and how easy it is to improve the world around
us.
Rob Huff and his family have enjoyed attracting wild birds into their yard
for many years. This love of watching wild birds has grown into a hobby that the
whole family enjoys together. For more information on birding and attracting
birds visit
http://www.a-home-for-wild-birds.com
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