How To Enjoy Hummingbirds

Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness is home to some of the most resilient wildlife on Earth, including hummingbirds. While many people associate these tiny birds with warmer climates, Alaska provides a seasonal haven for hummingbirds, particularly the Rufous Hummingbird and Anna’s Hummingbird. With careful planning and the right strategies, you can create a hummingbird-friendly habitat in Alaska, whether you live in a bustling city or a remote rural area. This expanded guide dives deep into how to attract and feed hummingbirds in Alaska, with a special focus on native plants, urban and rural strategies, and year-round support.

Hummingbird Species in Alaska

Alaska hosts two species of hummingbirds:

1. Rufous Hummingbird

   • Known for its fiery orange plumage, the Rufous Hummingbird is the most common species in Alaska. It is famous for its long migration journey, traveling thousands of miles from Mexico to Alaska each spring. Rufous Hummingbirds are highly territorial and aggressive at feeders but play an essential role as pollinators.

2. Anna’s Hummingbird

   • Once rare in Alaska, Anna’s Hummingbirds are now increasingly spotted in coastal areas like Ketchikan due to milder winters and supplemental feeders. They have iridescent green backs and pink throats (males) and are unique for their ability to overwinter in colder climates.

Seasonal Timing

Understanding when hummingbirds arrive and depart is key to supporting them:

• Spring Arrival: Rufous Hummingbirds typically arrive in Southeast Alaska by mid-April or early May. Their arrival coincides with the blooming of early wildflowers like salmonberry.

• Fall Departure: Most Rufous Hummingbirds migrate south by late August or early September as food sources dwindle.

• Winter Sightings: Anna’s Hummingbirds may overwinter in coastal areas if feeders are maintained and temperatures remain moderate.

Feeding Guidelines

Feeding hummingbirds is one of the easiest ways to attract them to your yard. Follow these tips to keep them healthy:

Nectar Recipe

The ideal nectar recipe mimics natural flower nectar:

• Mix 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water.

• Boil the mixture briefly to dissolve the sugar completely, then let it cool before filling feeders.

• Avoid honey or red dye, as these can harm hummingbirds.

Feeder Maintenance

Cleanliness is critical when feeding hummingbirds:

• Wash feeders every 3–5 days during warm months to prevent mold growth.

• In colder months, clean feeders weekly and ensure they don’t freeze by using heated feeders or bringing them indoors overnight.

• Guide for when to change the nectar

  Letting the nectar ferment encourages mold growth, which makes the cleaning process more difficult. To avoid this, follow the chart below for recommended nectar changes based on the temperature. The hotter it gets, the more frequently you’ll need to replace the nectar.

  High temperatures…………Change after

  71-75……………………………6 days

  76-80……………………………5 days

  81-84……………………………4 days

  85-88……………………………3 days

  89-92……………………………2 days

  93+………………………………change daily

Placement Tips

• Place feeders near shrubs or trees for shelter and easy access.

• Position feeders where they are visible but not exposed to direct sunlight all day to prevent nectar from spoiling quickly.

Winter Feeding

Anna’s Hummingbirds rely heavily on feeders during winter. Use heated feeders or wrap feeders with heat tape to keep nectar liquid. Alternatively, bring feeders indoors overnight and place them outside early each morning.

Native Plants for Hummingbirds

Native plants are essential for creating a sustainable habitat for hummingbirds in Alaska. These plants provide natural nectar sources while supporting insects that hummingbirds rely on for protein.

Top Native Plants

1. Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

   • A tall perennial with vibrant pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

   • Thrives in open meadows and disturbed areas.

2. Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

   • Features red and yellow tubular flowers perfect for hummingbirds.

   • Grows well in shaded or partially shaded areas.

3. Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)

   • Produces pink flowers in spring that attract hummingbirds before transitioning to edible berries.

   • Common along forest edges and wetlands.

4. Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus)

   • Known for its spiny stems but produces small clusters of flowers that attract insects and hummingbirds alike.

5. Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus)

   • A shade-loving perennial with feathery white flowers blooming in late spring.

6. Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

   • Provides essential perching and nesting sites for hummingbirds.

7. Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

   • Produces clusters of small white flowers followed by red berries, supporting pollinators and wildlife.

8. Bluebells (Mertensia spp.)

   • Early-blooming wildflowers with bell-shaped blue flowers that provide nectar during spring migration.

9. Lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis)

   • Vibrant purple flowers offering nectar throughout the summer.

10. Wild Currants (Ribes spp.)

    • Includes species like Wax Currant (Ribes cereum), which blooms early to support arriving Rufous Hummingbirds.

Planting Tips

• Group plants by blooming period to ensure continuous nectar availability from spring through fall.

• Incorporate flowering shrubs like salmonberry alongside herbaceous perennials such as fireweed.

• Avoid pesticides or herbicides, which can harm both hummingbirds and their insect prey.

• Plant near water sources such as streams or ponds to mimic natural habitats.

Creating Seasonal Blooms

To ensure your garden supports hummingbirds throughout their stay:

• Plant early bloomers like bluebells and salmonberry for spring arrivals.

• Add mid-season bloomers like lupine and fireweed for summer sustenance.

• Include late bloomers like goatsbeard for fall migration support.

Urban Strategies For Attracting Hummingbirds In Alaska

Even if you live in an urban area like Anchorage or Juneau, you can attract hummingbirds by creating small but effective habitats:

Container Gardening

Container gardening is ideal for urban spaces:

1. Use large pots filled with native plants like fireweed or lupine.

2. Include trailing plants such as nasturtiums or scarlet creeper to add vertical interest.

3. Place containers on balconies or patios where they receive plenty of sunlight.

4. Add compact shrubs like dwarf elderberry to larger containers for additional nectar sources.

Balcony Feeders

Balcony feeders are excellent for attracting Anna’s Hummingbirds year-round:

1. Install compact feeders designed for small spaces.

2. Use heated feeders during winter months to prevent freezing.

3. Add potted plants like fuchsia or petunias around the feeder to create an inviting environment.

4. Hang feeders near railing planters filled with nectar-rich flowers like nasturtiums or impatiens.

Enhancing Urban Spaces

Urban dwellers can maximize their space by:

1. Installing vertical gardens with climbing plants like scarlet creeper on trellises.

2. Using artificial flowers as visual lures near feeders while providing real nectar sources nearby.

3. Adding small water features such as fountains or misters for bathing opportunities.

Rural Strategies For Attracting Alaskan Hummingbirds

For those living in rural areas with more space, there are many ways to create a thriving habitat for hummingbirds:

Expansive Gardens

Design large gardens featuring native plants like western columbine, salmonberry, and fireweed:

1. Group plants with similar sunlight and soil requirements together.

2. Incorporate flowering shrubs along property borders for additional nectar sources.

3. Add taller trees like Sitka spruce near gardens for nesting sites.

Wildflower Meadows

Establish wildflower meadows with species such as lupine, bluebells, and goatsbeard:

1. Allow some areas of your property to grow naturally without mowing.

2. Include early-blooming plants to support migrating Rufous Hummingbirds.

Tree Plantings

Plant trees like Sitka spruce or red alder near your garden:

1. Provide perching sites where hummingbirds can rest between feedings.

2. Use trees as windbreaks to protect feeding areas from strong gusts.

Water Features

Add birdbaths, fountains, or misters near flowering plants:

1. Running water attracts both insects and thirsty birds.

2. Ensure water features are shallow enough for small birds to use safely.

Climate Challenges and Adaptations

Alaska’s short growing season means it’s crucial to provide early-blooming plants and maintain feeders throughout the summer:

• Use mulch around plants to retain soil moisture during dry spells.

• Protect tender perennials from frost with row covers or by planting them near heat-retaining rocks.

• Maintain heated feeders during winter months for Anna’s Hummingbirds.

Special Tips for Alaskan Birders

• Participate in citizen science programs like the Christmas Bird Count to document wintering Anna’s Hummingbirds.

• Keep binoculars handy during migration seasons—Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their territorial displays!

Conclusion

By focusing on native plants, tailored urban strategies, expansive rural solutions, and year-round support systems like heated feeders, you can create a thriving habitat for hummingbirds even in Alaska’s challenging climate! Whether you’re welcoming Rufous Hummingbirds during their epic migration or supporting Anna’s Hummingbirds through winter, your efforts contribute significantly to their survival—and provide endless enjoyment watching these incredible creatures thrive!