Hummingbirds are captivating creatures that bring beauty and joy to any garden. However, creating a safe and welcoming environment for these tiny birds requires careful planning and consideration. By following a few simple steps, you can transform your yard into a hummingbird haven, making it a place where these delicate birds can thrive. This guide will walk you through some of the key things you can do to make your yard a safe space for hummingbirds, from preventing window collisions to selecting the right plants.
Prevent Hummingbirds from Hitting Windows
Bird strikes are a serious problem, with around one billion birds dying each year from collisions with windows. Unfortunately, hummingbirds are especially vulnerable to this. A simple way to prevent this is by adding visual markers on your windows. Using white glass pen markers to draw small dots or applying decals can reduce the risk of window strikes significantly. Many of these visual markers are barely noticeable to humans, but they can be lifesavers for birds.
Artificial light also poses a danger to hummingbirds by disrupting their natural rhythms and contributing to nighttime collisions. To reduce light pollution, you can turn off outside lights when they are not necessary or use motion sensors. Closing shades at night and avoiding decorative lighting that uplights trees or shrubs can also make a difference.
Create a Nectar-Rich Hummingbird Buffet with Native Plants
Hummingbirds need a diverse range of nectar-rich plants to sustain them. Native plants are especially important, as they provide the most reliable sources of nectar. Flowers like jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) are highly attractive to hummingbirds and are perfectly designed to meet their needs. In fact, the high nectar content of jewelweed makes it a perfect energy source for these birds, especially as they prepare for long migrations.
By planting a variety of native flowers that bloom throughout the growing season, you can ensure that there is always food available for hummingbirds. Some examples of spring-blooming plants that attract hummingbirds include red buckeye, coral honeysuckle, and tulip poplar trees. It’s important to check that the plants you choose are native to your area by researching their range online.
Offer a Water Source for Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds love moving water. While they don’t typically visit birdbaths, they enjoy water sources like mist, showers, or drippers. Adding a solar-powered water bubbler or mister can make your yard even more inviting to these birds. You can also explore DIY options for creating hummingbird-friendly water features to suit your space and budget.
Keep Your Yard Pesticide-Free
Pesticides can be deadly for hummingbirds, as well as for the insects they rely on for food. About 80% of a hummingbird’s diet consists of insects, which are also vital for feeding their young. If you use pesticides, you’re not only killing the insects hummingbirds need, but also endangering the birds themselves. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides and make sure your plants are pesticide-free by sourcing them from reputable nurseries.
Leave Stems and Stalks for Nesting Materials
Hummingbirds build their nests using natural materials like plant fibers and spider silk. Leaving last year’s stems and stalks in your yard can provide these birds with safe perching spots and materials for building their nests. Dried stalks from native plants, such as milkweed and clematis, offer perfect nesting material.
Offer Supplementary Food with Feeders
Although hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers and small insects, offering a feeder can supplement their diet, especially when native plants aren’t blooming. Homemade nectar is easy to make by mixing one part white sugar with four parts water. Be sure to avoid red dye and only use plain white sugar.
Keep the feeders clean and replace the nectar regularly to prevent mold or fermentation, which can harm the birds. A well-maintained feeder will provide a helpful snack for hummingbirds and other small birds in your yard.
Conclusion
Creating a safe and welcoming environment for hummingbirds involves more than just setting up a feeder. From preventing window collisions to planting native nectar-rich flowers and avoiding pesticides, every effort you make will contribute to a habitat where hummingbirds can thrive. By turning your yard into a sanctuary for these tiny birds, you’ll not only enjoy their presence but also play a role in protecting them.
FAQ’s
What can I do to prevent hummingbirds from hitting my windows?
Bird strikes are a common cause of bird deaths, and hummingbirds are especially vulnerable. To prevent this, you can apply simple solutions like placing white dot grids on your windows using liquid chalk markers, adding decals, or using UV-reflecting or patterned window films. These methods create a visual barrier for birds, making windows more visible to them.
Which native plants should I grow to attract hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds love nectar-rich native plants. Some great options include jewelweed, red buckeye, coral honeysuckle, and tulip poplar trees. Be sure to plant a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the year to provide a continuous source of nectar for hummingbirds during their migration.
How can I provide water for hummingbirds in my yard?
Hummingbirds prefer moving water sources like misters, drippers, or solar-powered fountains to keep their feathers clean. Traditional birdbaths might not attract them, but misters and drippers create an environment that hummingbirds enjoy.