I spotted my first hummingbird this weekend! That means it’s time to get the feeders back out on the deck. Every year around the end of April, I hang them up and wait for the return of these amazing little birds. If you’ve ever had hummingbirds visit your yard, you know how fun it is to watch them dart and dive around your flowers and feeders.
Many species of hummingbirds are known to return to the same area year after year during migration. They’re incredibly loyal to their breeding territories, often coming back to the exact same spot each spring to mate and raise their young.
The most common hummingbird in the United States is the ruby-throated hummingbird. These tiny birds only weigh about 3 grams—less than a nickel! Despite their small size, they’re fast. They can fly up to 30 miles per hour and reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour during a dive. With all that activity, they need a lot of fuel—up to half their body weight in sugar every day—and feed 5 to 8 times an hour.
While feeders provide a valuable food source, Mother Nature’s nectar-rich flowers are even better. Plus, flowers add beauty to your garden and help attract other important pollinators. Hummingbirds are especially drawn to brightly colored flowers—reds, oranges, and pinks—and to tubular blooms that match their long beaks.
Tips to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
🌺 Plant nectar-rich flowers
Choose flowers that are high in nectar, such as:
-
Bee balm
-
Cardinal flower
-
Columbine
-
Trumpet creeper vine
-
Salvia
-
Fuchsia
-
Penstemon
-
Pineapple sage
🍯 Use hummingbird feeders
Fill feeders with a nectar solution made from 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Don’t use honey or red food coloring. Change the nectar every few days to keep it fresh and prevent mold.
🌳 Provide perches
Hummingbirds need to rest between feedings. Shrubs and small trees with sturdy branches give them a place to perch and survey their territory.
💧 Offer water
They love shallow water sources and are especially drawn to misters, fountains, or moving water. Try adding a fountain attachment to your birdbath.
🚫 Avoid pesticides
Hummingbirds are sensitive to chemicals. Stick to natural pest control methods to keep your garden hummingbird-friendly.
🪶 Offer nesting materials
They build tiny nests using spider webs, moss, and other soft materials. Leave out small twigs, bits of natural fiber, or even a nesting material holder to help them out.
Make Your Own Sugar Solution
You can easily make your own hummingbird nectar:
-
Mix 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water.
-
Boil the mixture for 30 seconds (not in the microwave) to help discourage mold.
-
Let it cool completely before filling your feeder.
-
Store leftovers in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
There’s no need to add red food coloring—it’s unnecessary and may be harmful. And always avoid honey, which can ferment or contain harmful organisms. Change the solution every 4–5 days if it’s in a sunny spot, or once a week if it’s in the shade. Clean feeders thoroughly with hot water before refilling.
Hummingbirds are such fun to watch. I look forward to their return every spring, and I never get tired of their zippy personalities. Despite their size, they’re among the most aggressive birds you’ll find. They’re territorial and won’t hesitate to chase away other hummingbirds, bees, wasps, and even much larger birds like crows or hawks that dare to enter their space.
So, get those feeders out, plant a few bright flowers, and enjoy the show!
Happy Gardening
Karen
You may also enjoy Growing Pineapple Sage