The Do's and Don'ts of Attracting Hummingbirds

If the best things come in small packages, then the hummingbird is most definitely the diamond of the avian world. Weighing in at only 0.1 to 0.2 ounces, about the weight of a single penny, with a wingspan of only a few inches, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common North American hummingbird species. The male has a metallic green back with a black face and ruby throat, while the female and young have more subdued coloring with a white chin and throat. Though their wings are small, they are certainly mighty with an amazing wingbeat count of 50 to 80 flaps per second during normal flight and up to 200 wingbeats per second during dives. Their average lifespan is about five years. Wintering in Central America, the hummingbird returns to New England during the summer and is seen in pairs only during breeding season, which can range from March to July, depending on the state. The female lays two white eggs that are incubated for 11 to 14 days, with the young leaving the nest between two to four weeks. Successfully attracting hummingbirds to one's yard is a goal of many avid bird enthusiasts. An easy way to do so is with specific flowering plants that offer an abundance of nectar and have tubular or trumpet-shaped blooms. Experts have observed that they tend to prefer bright red or orange-colored flowers, although pink, blue, purple and white will also call to them. A few of their favorite perennials are columbine, honeysuckle, salvia, bee balm, morning glory, azalea and foxglove. They also enjoy annuals like petunia and fuchsia. Native plants are preferred and planting them in clusters will help with attraction, as can a moving water source and reflective garden decorations. Keeping your pollinator gardens pesticide-free is also key to safely feeding these flitting creatures, and they will also eat small bugs. For many birders, a hummingbird feeder that mimics the bright colors of flowers is a must-have for their backyard garden. This supplemental food source can also help sustain the hummingbirds when blooms are less plentiful. When adding a hummingbird feeder to your summertime maintenance list, be sure to keep a few vital do's and don'ts in mind. Do use only white granulated sugar and water mixture (no honey, brown sugar or artificial sweeteners). For a homemade version, the nectar-mixture ratio is four parts water to one part sugar, which you can either mix in small quantities or in a large quantity to store in the refrigerator for refilling feeders. Don't add red food coloring or use storebought mixtures with added dye. Natural nectar is clear, and the chemicals may harm the birds. Do change your nectar every three days or so at lower temperatures of around 60 degrees, or every day or two in hot temperatures of 90 degrees. Fungus and bacteria growth can make the hummingbirds sick. Rinse the feeder between changes with very hot water and clean the "flowers" with a brush to prevent mold buildup. If you're worried about wasting the mixture during hot weather, fill it to a lower level each time. Do hang your feeder out of direct sunlight to prevent quick spoilage. If your nectar becomes spoiled by the heat, the hummingbirds will learn that it's an unpleasant source of food. Some recommend wrapping the reservoir in aluminum foil to reflect the sun's UV rays if the feeder is hung in direct sunlight. Do purchase a feeder that seems easy to take apart and clean, as well as has the hummingbirds feeding from the bottom of the nectar storage reservoir. If they feed from the top of the reservoir, you will need to refill more often. Do hang multiple small feeders rather than one large feeder as hummingbirds can be territorial in nature. Do try a handheld hummingbird feeder if you have the patience and desire for an up-close-and-personal interaction. Whether a season-long relationship or mere moments, bird lovers agree that delightful hummingbird encounters are some of the most magical backyard experiences of summer. Their flitting may be fleeting, but the joy they bring certainly isn't.