How Individuals Can Contribute To Hummingbird Conservation

Creating Hummingbird-Friendly Habitats

Creating an ideal environment for hummingbirds is one of the most effective ways to support their conservation. Here’s how you can transform your outdoor space into a hummingbird haven:

Native Plant Selection

Planting native flowering species is crucial for attracting hummingbirds and providing them with natural food sources. Native plants are well- hummingbird feeding on flowers adapted to local conditions and support the intricate relationships between hummingbirds and other species. When selecting plants:

Focus on tubular flowers in red, orange, or pink colors, as hummingbirds are particularly attracted to these hues.
Choose a variety of species that bloom at different times throughout the year to ensure a consistent nectar supply.
Group similar plants together to create visually appealing and easily accessible feeding areas.
Consider the specific needs of hummingbird species in your region, as different species may prefer different plant types.

Some excellent native plant options include:

Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
Bee balm (Monarda species)
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Columbine (Aquilegia species)
Penstemon species
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Salvia species
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Coral bells (Heuchera species)
Fuchsia species (for cooler climates)

When planning your garden, aim for a diverse mix of annuals, perennials, vines, and shrubs to create a rich and varied habitat. This diversity not only provides a range of food sources but also offers different nesting and perching opportunities.

Here’s a complete guide to attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It lists plants, vines and shrubs that are in bloom for spring, summer and fall. Your hummingbirds will always have flowers to feed on.

Layered Habitat Creation

Hummingbirds prefer layered edge habitats that include trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses. To create this environment:

Plant trees and shrubs with dense foliage for shelter and nesting sites. Some good options include dogwood, serviceberry, and native crabapple trees.
Incorporate various heights of vegetation to provide different levels for perching and feeding. This can include tall trees, medium-sized shrubs, and low-growing flowers.
Include open spaces between plantings to allow for easy flight paths. Hummingbirds need room to maneuver and hover while feeding.
Create “hummingbird corridors” by planting nectar-rich flowers along fences, walkways, or property boundaries.
Consider vertical gardening techniques, such as trellises or hanging baskets, to maximize space and provide additional feeding opportunities.

What are the best plants to include in a layered hummingbird habitat

To create an ideal layered hummingbird habitat, you should include a variety of plants at different heights to provide food, shelter, and nesting materials. Here are some of the best plants to include in each layer:

Trees

Black cherry
Elm
Oak
Pawpaw

Shrubs

Azalea
Butterfly bush
Blueberry
New Jersey tea
Spicebush
Wild azalea

Vines

Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans)
Passionflower

Perennials

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Bee balm
Columbine
Coral bells (Heuchera spp.)
Penstemon
Salvia
Butterfly weed

Annuals

Zinnia
Petunia

When planting, consider the following tips:

Group at least three plants of the same kind together

.
Plan for a long bloom period by including early, mid, and late-blooming varieties
.
Focus on tubular, red flowers, as they are particularly attractive to hummingbirds
.
Include plants that provide nesting materials, such as pussy willow and cinnamon fern
.
Avoid using chemical pesticides or fertilizers in your garden to maintain a healthy ecosystem

By incorporating these plants into a layered design, you’ll create a diverse and attractive habitat that provides food, shelter, and nesting sites for hummingbirds throughout the season.

Nesting Support

To encourage hummingbirds to nest in your area:

Leave thin branches on trees and shrubs for potential nesting sites. Hummingbirds often build their nests on slender, forked branches.
Provide nesting materials like cotton, pet fur, or plant fibers. You can place these materials in suet cages or spread them around your garden.

Maintain some “fuzzy” plants like pussy willows or cinnamon ferns, which hummingbirds use for nest building.
Avoid pruning trees and shrubs during nesting season (typically spring and early summer) to prevent disturbing active nests.
Create sheltered areas in your garden that are protected from strong winds and heavy rain.

Year-Round Habitat Considerations

Remember that some hummingbird species are year-round residents in certain areas, while others migrate. To support both resident and migratory populations:

Plant a mix of early and late-blooming flowers to provide food sources throughout the seasons.
Leave some seed heads and dried flowers standing through winter, as they can provide shelter and nesting material.
Consider evergreen trees and shrubs for year-round cover and protection.
In colder regions, think about ways to extend the blooming season, such as using cold frames or greenhouses for certain plants.

Providing Food and Water

While native plants should be the primary food source, supplementary feeding and water sources can greatly benefit hummingbirds:

In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need water and safe spaces to rest. By providing a birdbath or misting system, you can ensure they have everything they need.

Hummingbird Feeders

Hang red feeders filled with a homemade sugar solution. The color red naturally attracts hummingbirds.
Use a mixture of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water first, then add sugar and stir until dissolved. Let the mixture cool before filling feeders.
Avoid using red dye or honey in the mixture, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds. The red color of the feeder is sufficient to attract them.
Clean feeders thoroughly every 3-4 days, or more frequently in hot weather, to prevent mold growth. Use a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water for cleaning.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you clean your hummingbird feeder for those times when the nectar is not changed soon enough and mold starts to grow.

Place multiple feeders around your yard to reduce competition and territorial behavior among hummingbirds.

Here’s a great article that tells everything you need to know about how to choose the best place to hang your hummingbird feeder

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

Water Sources

Install shallow bird baths with gently sloping edges. Hummingbirds prefer water sources that are no more than 1-1.5 inches deep.
hummingbird bird bath
Consider adding a mister or dripper to create moving water, which attracts hummingbirds. They often enjoy flying through fine sprays of water.

hummingbird mister/fountain
Place perches near water sources to allow hummingbirds to rest and preen after bathing. Small twigs or thin branches work well for this

purpose. Hummingbird swings and perches with attractive butterfly décor on the top, not only looks nice from the trees, but also as extra perches for birds. I

hummingbird perches
Keep water sources clean and fresh, changing the water every few days to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
In colder regions, consider using heated bird baths during winter to provide a reliable water source for resident hummingbirds.

solar powered hummingbird feeder with fountain — solar powered fountain birdbath

Water Sources

Hummingbirds enjoy fresh water to drink and bathe. A shallow birdbath with a fine spray from a mister is ideal. Just make sure the water is changed regularly to keep it clean.
Here’s a solar powered bird bath.

Hummingbird misters at Amazon.com

Natural Food Sources

Remember that hummingbirds also require protein in their diet:

Encourage small insect populations in your garden by minimizing pesticide use. Hummingbirds feed on small insects and spiders for protein.
Leave some areas of your yard slightly unkempt to provide insect habitats. Leaf litter, brush piles, and native grasses can harbor beneficial insects.
Plant flowers that attract small insects, such as native asters, goldenrod, and Joe-Pye weed.
Consider creating a “bug light” setup at dusk to attract flying insects, which can provide an additional food source for hummingbirds.

Practicing Eco-Friendly Gardening

Adopting organic gardening practices is essential for creating a safe environment for hummingbirds:

Pesticide-Free Gardening

Eliminate or drastically reduce the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These can be harmful to hummingbirds both

hummingbirds feeding on flower nectar

directly and indirectly by reducing their insect food sources.
Opt for organic pest control methods, such as companion planting or manual removal of pests. For example, planting marigolds near vegetables can deter certain pests.
Encourage natural predators of garden pests, like ladybugs and praying mantises. You can purchase these beneficial insects or create habitats that attract them naturally.
Use physical barriers like row covers or netting to protect plants from pests without resorting to chemicals.
If pest control is absolutely necessary, choose organic, targeted solutions that have minimal impact on non-pest species.

Sustainable Practices

Use compost and organic mulch to enrich soil naturally. This not only improves plant health but also supports beneficial soil organisms.
Implement water conservation techniques like rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation. These methods not only save water but also create a more stable environment for plants and wildlife.
Leave leaf litter on the ground to support insect habitats that hummingbirds rely on for protein. This also helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Practice crop rotation in vegetable gardens to maintain soil health and reduce pest problems naturally.
Use native groundcovers instead of traditional lawns to reduce water usage and provide additional habitat for insects.

Soil Health

Conduct regular soil tests to understand your soil’s composition and needs. This helps you avoid over-fertilization, which can be harmful to the ecosystem.
Use organic soil amendments like compost tea or worm castings to improve soil health without synthetic chemicals.
Implement no-till or minimal-till gardening practices to preserve soil structure and beneficial soil organisms.

Participating in Citizen Science

Engaging in citizen science projects can provide valuable data for hummingbird research and conservation:

Join hummingbird monitoring programs organized by local Audubon societies or nature centers. These programs often involve regular surveys of hummingbird populations in specific areas.
Participate in the North American Breeding Bird Survey or Project FeederWatch. These long-term studies rely on data collected by volunteers across the continent.

Watch this video for instructions on how to set up your count site and perform your counts — it’s FeederWatch made easy!

Geoff Hill explains what a breeding bird survey (BBS) route is and why these routes are so important to avian conservation. He shows how to run a successful route. Here is a link for volunteering for your own route: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/partici…

Use apps like eBird or iNaturalist to record hummingbird sightings and contribute to large-scale data collection efforts. These platforms allow you to log species, numbers, behaviors, and even upload photos.
Learn how to make and submit a checklist using the eBird Mobile App. There are a couple more features than just the ones shown in this video, but this will get you started with using the app. Learn more about the eBird Mobile App Here: https://ebird.org/about/ebird-mobile/

A quick video demonstrating how easy it is to make an observation with the iNaturalist mobile app. http://www.inaturalist.org

Take clear photographs of hummingbirds to help with species identification and population tracking. High-quality images can be particularly useful for researchers studying plumage variations or identifying rare species.
Keep detailed records of hummingbird activity in your own yard, including first and last sightings of the season, nesting activities, and feeding behaviors.
Participate in hummingbird banding programs if they are available in your area. These programs help track individual birds and their movements over time.
Join or organize local bird counts, such as Christmas Bird Counts or Spring Bird Counts, which often include hummingbird observations.

Supporting Conservation Initiatives

Financial and advocacy support for conservation efforts can make a significant impact:

Donations

Contribute to organizations dedicated to hummingbird conservation, such as the Hummingbird Conservation Network or the Hummingbird Monitoring Network.
Support broader wildlife conservation groups that include hummingbird habitats in their protection efforts, like The Nature Conservancy or the National Audubon Society.
Consider making regular, smaller donations rather than one-time large contributions to provide consistent support to conservation organizations.
Look for opportunities to double your impact through employer matching programs or special fundraising events.

Advocacy

Advocate for the protection of natural areas and wildlife corridors in your community. Attend local government meetings and speak up for land conservation initiatives.
Support legislation that addresses climate change and habitat preservation, such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Contact your representatives to express your support for such bills.
Encourage local governments to implement bird-friendly urban planning policies, such as reducing light pollution or preserving green spaces.
Promote the creation and maintenance of urban wildlife habitats, including community gardens and green roofs.
Support initiatives to reduce the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which can be harmful to hummingbirds and their insect prey.

Sustainable Choices

Purchase shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee and other sustainably produced tropical products that protect hummingbird habitats in their wintering grounds.
Support businesses and products that prioritize environmental conservation. Look for certifications like Rainforest Alliance or Bird Friendly when making purchases.
Choose native plants for your garden from nurseries that specialize in local species and avoid selling invasive plants.
Reduce your carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices at home and sustainable transportation choices to help mitigate climate change impacts on hummingbird habitats.

Educating and Engaging the Community

Spreading awareness about hummingbird conservation can multiply your impact:

Organize hummingbird-themed events in your community, such as garden tours or photography workshops. These can be great opportunities to educate people about hummingbird conservation.
Give presentations at local schools or community centers about the importance of hummingbirds and how to support them. Consider developing age-appropriate activities for children to engage them in conservation efforts.
Start a neighborhood initiative to create a network of hummingbird-friendly gardens. This can help create corridors of habitat in urban and suburban areas.
Share your hummingbird conservation efforts on social media to inspire others. Use platforms like Instagram or Facebook to post photos, tips, and observations.
Write articles for local newspapers or blogs about hummingbird conservation and your personal experiences in creating a hummingbird-friendly environment.
Collaborate with local garden clubs or nature societies to promote hummingbird-friendly gardening practices.
Create and distribute informational brochures about hummingbird conservation at community events or local businesses.
Offer to mentor others who are interested in creating hummingbird habitats but may not know where to start.

Reducing Threats

Minimizing dangers to hummingbirds in your immediate environment is crucial:

Window Collisions

Apply window decals or use external screens to prevent bird collisions. These should be spaced no more than 4 inches apart to be effective.
anto collision window decals
Position bird feeders either very close to windows (less than 3 feet) or far away (more than 30 feet) to reduce the risk of high-speed impacts.
Use window films or etched glass patterns to make windows more visible to birds.
Consider installing external shutters or sunshades to break up reflections on windows.

Predator Management

Keep cats indoors or use cat bibs to reduce their ability to catch birds. If outdoor time is necessary, consider building a “catio” or enclosed outdoor space for cats.
Remove artificial food sources that might attract predators like raccoons or opossums. Secure trash cans and avoid leaving pet food outdoors.
Be aware of natural predators like hawks or owls, but remember that these are part of the ecosystem and should not be deterred unless they pose an unusual threat.

Light Pollution

Use outdoor lighting fixtures that direct light downward to reduce light pollution. This not only helps hummingbirds but also benefits other nocturnal wildlife and improves stargazing conditions.
Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights, especially during migration seasons. If security is a concern, use motion-activated lights instead of constant illumination.
Advocate for dark sky policies in your community to reduce overall light pollution.

Safe Feeder Practices

Position feeders away from areas where predators might hide, such as dense shrubs or low tree branches.
Use feeders with built-in ant moats and bee guards to protect the nectar and the hummingbirds.
Clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of diseases among hummingbirds.
In areas with bears or other large wildlife, bring feeders indoors at night to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.

Climate Change Mitigation

Reduce your personal carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices, sustainable transportation, and conscious consumption.
Support local and national initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy.
Participate in or organize community tree-planting events to help offset carbon emissions and create future habitats for hummingbirds.

By implementing these comprehensive conservation strategies, individuals can play a vital role in protecting hummingbird populations. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of ensuring these remarkable creatures continue to thrive in our ecosystems. As we work to create more hummingbird-friendly environments, we not only support these tiny marvels but also contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of our local ecosystems.

Remember, consistency and long-term commitment are key to successful hummingbird conservation. By maintaining these practices year after year and encouraging others to join in these efforts, we can create a lasting positive impact on hummingbird populations and their habitats. Together, our individual actions can coalesce into a powerful force for hummingbird conservation, ensuring that future generations will continue to be enchanted by the beauty and wonder of these remarkable birds.

Moreover, by engaging in hummingbird conservation, we often find ourselves becoming more attuned to the natural world around us. This increased awareness can lead to a greater appreciation for all forms of wildlife and a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship. As we work to protect hummingbirds, we may discover that we are also fostering a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature as a whole, benefiting not just hummingbirds, but the entire ecosystem and our own well-being in the process.

Valuable Hummingbird Resources

Here’s a great article that tells everything you need to know about how to choose the best place to hang your hummingbird feeder.

Here’s the best designed hummingbird feeder to use. It’s leak proof, so it won’t attract insects and it’s easy to take apart and clean.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you clean your hummingbird feeder for those times when the nectar is not changed soon enough and mold starts to grow.

One of the best Hummingbird feeders that’s easy to take apart and clean is the HummZinger Ultra.

Aspects 12oz HummZinger Ultra With Nectar Guard.

The HummZinger Ultra 12oz Saucer Feeder is one of the best options for a hummingbird feeder that’s both easy to clean and maintain. This top-tier feeder features patented Nectar Guard tips—flexible membranes on the feeding ports that keep flying insects out while still allowing hummingbirds to feed freely. Plus, it comes with an integrated ant moat to prevent crawling insects from reaching the nectar, and the raised flower ports help divert rain, keeping the nectar fresh.

With a 12 oz capacity, this mid-size feeder offers plenty of space and can be hung or mounted on a post using the included hardware. It has four feeding ports and is made from durable, unbreakable polycarbonate. Whether you’re concerned about bees, wasps, or ants, this feeder is built for easy cleaning and insect protection.

If you already have a hummingbird feeder, and you want to protect it from ants and other crawling insects, the ant moat below will do the job.

Trap-It Ant Moat for Hummingbird Feeders

Using an ant moat for your hummingbird feeder is an effective way to keep ants away from the sweet nectar. These tiny creatures are drawn to

the sugar water, and without a barrier, they will quickly infest your feeder, preventing the birds from enjoying the nectar. An ant moat works by creating a barrier of water that ants can’t cross. Positioned above the feeder, it effectively blocks the ants’ path, keeping them from reaching the nectar.

This simple solution also ensures that your hummingbird feeder remains clean and accessible for the birds, rather than becoming a breeding ground for ants or other pests. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy, inviting space for hummingbirds, while also reducing the need for chemical ant deterrents.

The first and still the best to protect your Hummingbird and Oriole feeder from ants and other crawling insects. Insert between hanger and feeder and fill with water, providing a barrier to crawling pests. Red color to attract hummingbirds.

Small bottle brushes and pipe cleaners are always helpful to dislodge mold inside the feeder and in the feeding ports. It is necessary to have a clean mold free feeder to attract hummingbirds and to keep them healthy.

If you found this article helpful please share it with your friends using the social bookmarking buttons on the left side of this page. Help everyone to increase their enjoyment of feeding hummingbirds. Do it for the hummingbirds!

Hummingbird Resources

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Hummingbird Conservation
This site offers detailed information about various hummingbird species, their habitats, and conservation efforts. It also provides resources on how to protect these fascinating birds.

National Park Service – Hummingbird Resources
The National Park Service offers insights into hummingbird species found in national parks, their behaviors, and their role in ecosystems, along with tips for observing them.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Birds: Hummingbirds
This resource provides educational materials on the role of hummingbirds in pollination and biodiversity, backed by scientific research and exhibits from the Smithsonian.

U.S. Geological Survey – Hummingbird Studies
The USGS offers research on hummingbird migration patterns, population dynamics, and environmental threats, including studies on climate change impacts.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Hummingbirds
While not strictly a government site, Cornell partners with federal agencies to provide valuable scientific insights into hummingbird behavior, conservation, and field guides.