How to attract more hummingbirds to your back yard

Hummingbird

A hummingbird makes its way to a feeder for a snack.

Hummingbird feeders are one of the most effective ways to consistently entice and encourage hummingbirds to come visit, according to Cole’s Wild Bird Products, one of the leading producers of bird-feeding products.

“However, not all feeders are created equal,” notes the company. “For example, Cole’s Hummer High Rise Feeder is scientifically designed with elevated perches to make hummingbirds feel safe and comfortable, which encourages their consistent return. Not only are the birds more relaxed when they eat, but you get a better view of them around the feeder.

“Although hummingbird feeders can attract bees and ants, this feeder is uniquely designed to keep pests at bay. It doesn’t drip, so large bees can’t get to the nectar, plus it has a built-in ant moat to keep ants away from nectar when filled with plain water. Since birds drink from the moat, never use any repellents or additives.”

In addition, hummingbirds are territorial and not likely to share feeders, so hang multiple feeders far enough apart, out of sight of one another, to attract more birds.

And, to ensure a steady stream of birds, hang feeders in the shade to avoid fermentation of sugar-based liquids, check feeders daily to keep food fresh and clean feeders as needed with one part white vinegar to four parts water.

Flowers are your next line of attraction for hummingbirds, according to Cole’s. Trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm and sage plants are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and provide rich nectar.

Hummingbirds consume one-and-a-half times their body weight daily, eating every 10-15 minutes and visiting 1,000-2,000 flowers per day.

Also, be conscious of beneficial insects. Hummingbirds rely on insects, which provide essential protein, to complement the nectar they crave.

To attract insects, try placing rotting fruit near feeders and leave it until insects arrive for hummers’ easy eats.

Leave spiderwebs in place. Hummingbirds use spiderwebs as construction material to hold their nests together and they also conveniently pluck insects caught in webbing.

Offer a water mister. Hummingbirds enjoy bathing and a mister gives them the fine spray they prefer. Once soaked, they’re off to find a preening perch.

Provide tiny perches. Leave small, sturdy, bare branches for hummingbirds, to perch on for rest, preening and hunting. Perches provide vantage points to see danger and launching pads to swiftly pounce on insects. Once hummingbirds find a favorite perch, they’ll use it repeatedly.

Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.

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