Attracting Hummingbirds 101 -- Four Simple Suggestions

I’m working on a series of blog posts about hummingbirds. There’s so much to write about, it will keep me out of trouble for several days! In the meantime, this is the rock bottom basic, all-important stuff you need to know if you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

• Number 1: No pesticides. Think of one of those round signs with big, bold, black “pesticides” with a bright red slash across the letters. That’s how much I believe you shouldn’t use pesticides.

Here’s why: Pesticides kill hummingbirds! It’s that simple. Pesticides are not safe for children and other living beings, including hummingbirds.

Pesticides not only kill hummingbirds, but the chemicals wipe out helpful insects (think bees and ladybugs) that pollinate plants or dine on bad bugs (think aphids and spider mites). You may think you’re controlling a serious pest infestation with pesticides, but really, by eliminating natural controls, you’re just making matters worse.

• Number 2: Feed them. It’s okay; you can buy an inexpensive feeder and fill it with sugar water (no red coloring, please). That will supply part of the energy the little jewels need to stay on the move. No problem, no worries. However, the little birds will be even happier with real, true nectar from real, true plants.

You don’t need a three-acre back yard or a fabulous, perfectly manicured garden. If you’re short on space, consider a patio container or hanging basket with two or three colorful plants. You can even hang a basket near a feeder and the birds with fly back and forth, enjoying both. They will love you forever.

What kind of flowers should you plant? What color? If the plants are nectar-rich, hummers will locate them. However, red, pink, and orange are their absolute favorite colors. If the flowers have long, narrow blooms, it’s even better because the long tubes are just right for the hummingbird’s long, narrow tongue and beak.

One example, fuchsias. Simple. If you want more details, I’m working on it as we speak, umm, read… write… whatever.

• Number 3: Shelter. All little birds need shelter, and it needs to be nearby where the birds can dart any time they feel threatened. Hummingbirds may not visit your garden if they don’t have a safe perch.Shelter may be a tree or shrub. If the plant has thorns, it’s even better. The hummingbirds will also use the protected area for nesting and roosting. Listen and you’ll hear them chip chipping.

• Number 4. Cats. Speaking of shelter, let’s talk a little about cats. I love cats! I truly do! But like it or not, cats kill birds, including hummingbirds. It’s natural. After all, they’re cats! The best thing is to keep your cats indoors, but I know this isn’t always practical, or even possible. If you have cats, please place your feeder or hanging basket out of reach. Otherwise, the little birds are easy pickin’s.