How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Backyard
Finding a man made feeder is like finding an oasis in the desert for hungry little hummers! And once they know the feeder is there, they will become very reliant upon it. This reliance on this source means you have to be willing to make a commitment to providing clean fresh nectar in a clean feeder until the hummingbirds leave your area and migrate south. If you do not feel up to making that commitment, then it is best that you provide only natural food in the form of flowers. This article will discuss both natural and artificial means of attracting hummingbirds.
Natural methods of attracting hummers include planting flowers, trees and shrubs that produce flowers that contain nectar. Hummingbirds eat small insects, but they rely primarily on the nectar of flowers to provide them with the high sugar energy necessary to maintain their high metabolisms. In particular, hummingbirds are drawn to red, pink and orange flowers. However, any type of nectar producing flower will do. Some good plants to choose from include: impatiens, honey suckle, salvia, petunias, geraniums, lilies, trumpet vine, and monarda (bee balm). Hummers prefer large clumps of similar flowers, as apposed to scattered plantings. Check with your local plant nursery for varieties of plants that will attract hummingbirds and do will in your climate.