Introduction
Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating birds to watch, with their vibrant colours and their incredible ability to hover in the air. If you’re a bird enthusiast, you might want to attract these tiny birds to your backyard, and one way to do that is to provide them with a bird feeder filled with nectar. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll discuss how to attract hummingbirds to your bird feeder with nectar. We’ll cover the types of flowers hummingbirds like, how to set up your bird feeder, and how to make nectar that hummingbirds will love.
Types of Flowers Hummingbirds Like
Hummingbirds are attracted to nectar-producing flowers, and there are several types of flowers that they prefer. Some of the most popular include:
1. Bee Balm
Also known as Monarda, bee balm produces red, pink, and purple flowers that hummingbirds find irresistible.
2. Cardinal Flower
This bright red flower is a favourite of hummingbirds and is often found growing near streams and ponds.
3. Fuchsia
These delicate, bell-shaped flowers are perfect for hanging baskets and are a favourite of hummingbirds.
4. Trumpet Vine
This vine produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds love, and it’s also a favourite of butterflies.
5. Salvia
Hummingbirds love the long, tubular flowers of the salvia plant, which come in a variety of colours including red, pink, and purple.
Setting Up Your Bird Feeder
Once you’ve planted some nectar-producing flowers, it’s time to set up your bird feeder. Here are some tips to help you attract hummingbirds to your feeder:
1. Choose a feeder that's brightly coloured and has multiple feeding ports
Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colours, so choose a feeder that’s red, orange, or pink. Make sure your feeder has multiple feeding ports so that several birds can feed at once.
2. Place your feeder in a shady area
Hummingbirds prefer to feed in the shade, so choose a spot in your yard that’s sheltered from the sun.
3. Keep your feeder clean
Hummingbirds are attracted to clean feeders, so make sure to clean your feeder regularly to prevent mould and bacteria growth.
Making Nectar for Hummingbirds
Now that you have your feeder set up, it’s time to make some nectar that hummingbirds will love. Here’s a simple recipe for making nectar:
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
4 cups water
Instructions:
- Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Pour the nectar into your bird feeder.
Important Tips:
- Never use honey or artificial sweeteners in your nectar. Honey promotes bacterial growth when mixed with water,also, it contains complex sugars that are difficult for hummingbirds to digest and artificial sweeteners are harmful to hummingbirds.
- Change the nectar in your feeder every 3-5 days, or more often in hot weather, to prevent spoilage.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Feeder
Now that you have your feeder set up and your nectar made, it’s time to attract some hummingbirds. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
1. Be patient
It may take some time for hummingbirds to find your feeder, especially if you’re new to bird feeding. Don’t give up – keep your feeder full of fresh nectar, and eventually, the hummingbirds will come.
2. Create a safe environment
Hummingbirds are wary creatures, and they won’t visit a feeder if they feel threatened. Make sure your feeder is placed in a safe location, away from potential predators like cats and other animals.
3. Provide perches
Hummingbirds need a place to rest in between feeding, so provide some nearby perches, such as small branches or twigs.
4. Add a mister or fountain
Hummingbirds love to bathe and play in water, so consider adding a mister or fountain near your feeder to attract them.
Keep the Bird feeder Clean
Hummingbirds are very particular about the quality of nectar they consume, and they will not drink from a feeder that is dirty or contaminated. To ensure that your feeder is clean, you need to clean it at least once a week. You can use a mixture of one part vinegar and four parts water to clean your bird feeder. Simply soak the feeder in the mixture for a few hours, rinse it thoroughly, and dry it before refilling it with fresh nectar.
As mentioned earlier, cleanliness is essential when it comes to attracting hummingbirds to your bird feeder. Hummingbirds are very susceptible to mould and bacteria, which may cause them to become sick or even die. To keep your feeder clean, you need to follow a few simple tips:
1. Clean your feeder regularly:
As mentioned earlier, you need to clean your feeder at least once a week. If you notice any signs of mould or bacteria, you should clean your feeder immediately.
2. Use a brush:
You can use a small brush to scrub the inside of your feeder to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
3. Use fresh nectar
Make sure that you change the nectar in your feeder every few days, especially during hot weather. If the nectar becomes cloudy or discoloured, you should change it immediately.
4. Keep ants away
Ants are attracted to sweet nectar, and quickly infest your bird feeder. To keep ants away, you can place a moat filled with water around the feeder, or you can use an ant guard to prevent them from climbing up the feeder.
Conclusion
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In summary, attracting hummingbirds to your bird feeder with nectar is a fun and rewarding activity for bird enthusiasts. By planting nectar-producing flowers, setting up a feeder in a shaded area, and making nectar with the right ingredients, you can create a welcoming environment for these tiny birds. Remember to be patient and provide a safe space for hummingbirds to feed and rest. With a little effort, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of hummingbirds in your backyard all season long. And with the help of Sparrow Daughter, you can do so while supporting a sustainable and eco-friendly business.