The hummingbird is a remarkable and fascinating creature, and everyone wants to attract these tiny birds in their garden. This species of bird contains the smallest bird, the Bee hummingbird of Cuba. Some species of hummingbirds are also known for their long-distance migration as compared to their body size. Their high metabolism needs a lot of nectar daily to maintain their energy level. They need to eat every 10 to 15 minutes, which requires visiting 1000 to 2000 flowers per day.
The garden flowers are the main focus of the hummingbirds in the homes. So, one of the best ways to help these tiny creatures is to make a hummingbird-friendly garden. Many native plants can fulfill the hummingbird’s nectar needs, which include the Beebalms and cardinals. You can plant the lemon Beebalm, scarlet Beeblam, and Spotted Beebalm along with lobelia cardinals. Let’s see some easy steps that can build the hummingbird-friendly garden. You can visit birdfeederist.com for more information about hummingbirds.
Flowers
Hummingbird’s long bills and grooved tongues are making them specialized in nectar-eating. The sugary nectar is almost 90 percent of the hummingbird’s diet. But due to some environmental changes, the hummingbird-friendly habitat is changing with time. You need to help the hummingbirds by the following steps.
- You need to fill your yard with plants, vines, shrubs, and trees. Customized your garden and get connected to the local native plant resources. Native plants are more beneficial for the hummingbirds, which include the trumpet honeysuckle, Beebalm, and hummingbird sage. These plants provide much nectar to hummingbirds as compared to hybrids and exotic plants.
- The orange and red tubular flowers are more attractive for the hummingbirds as compared to the other flowers.
- Try to choose the different species of hummingbirds that have different blooming periods. So, the hummingbirds can get an uninterrupted supply of the nectar.
- Hummingbirds also like to rest after feeding. Try to provide them the small perches on the bushes and trees.
- Please properly use the pesticides in your garden. It’s good to prevent the garden from insects, but it can also be hazardous for hummingbirds.
- Convince your neighbor to build a hummingbird-friendly backyard, as an entire habitat is more valuable than the separate patches.
Provide Nesting Material
Hummingbirds prefer nesting near nectar sources. Some shrubbery and small delicious trees are ideal for providing the nesting material to hummingbirds, especially on the edges of your yard. They like to build their nest on the tree limbs and on the other small horizontal surfaces. They also use lichens and spider webs to perfectly bind the nesting material.
Perches
Make sure there are plenty of perches are available in your yard for the resting and sleeping of hummingbirds. Some birds are territorial, while other stays in their protected areas and rest.
Insects
Hummingbirds also need some protein to maintain their bodies and grow new feathers. They can snatch the small insects from the air and glean them from the leaves. You need to follow the following steps to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
- Don’t use pesticides as the spiders and small insects are an important diet of any adult bird and young hummingbirds.
- Make sure your garden contains insect-pollinated flowers and hummingbird-pollinated plants as well.
- Hang a basketball with banana peel are overripe fruits to attract the tiny fruit flies.
Water
Hummingbirds like to bathe in the pool of droplets. So, you can provide a constant supply of water in your garden with a fine misting device. The misting device makes your bathing tub a special attractive water source for hummingbirds.
Nectar Feeders
Hummingbird feeders are essential to provide artificial nectar to hummingbirds, which is essential for their survival. Follow the below steps to provide a good source of nectar to hummingbird through hummingbird feeders.
- Hang the multiple feeders in your garden, such that each feeder apart from the other and the hummingbird on one feeder can’t see the others.
- Fill the feeder with artificial nectar, and don’t add honey, artificial sweetener, and red dye.
- Hang the feeder at a perfect location under the shade to prevent the nectar from spoiling. But make sure to change the nectar before it’s getting cloudy.
- Clean the feeder regularly, and rinse it properly before refilling.
