Having hosted many hummingbirds over the years, I have learned some tricks that will help you increase the amount of hummingbirds that will visit you. These tricks are all very simple. This season, use these 10 tricks and see your yard filled with double the amount of hummingbirds.
Bring Hummingbirds Right To Your Window!
Check Price1. The Strategy of a "Feeding Station"
Instead of putting out a single feeder at a time, try putting out a few feeders at once (3 to 4). Space them about 3 ft apart. This stops one single dominant hummingbird from guarding all of the food sources. In my experience, I've seen a triple increase in visits after doing this. Try to set these feeders on different sides of the house to optimize the area.
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2. The Early Bird Secret
Set up your feeders two weeks before you expect your first visitors. The scout birds will spot them and tell their friends. I set up my feeders in about March, knowing that spring migration is in April. I know that I will get new fledglings every year, and I always enjoy watch my early birds return.
3. The Red Decoy Method
You should place red ribbons or red garden decorations near your feeders. This will create a visual beacon that hummingbirds will see first. I personally use red surveyor's tape that I hang on nearby branches; it is inexpensive and works great to attract the birds. Please do not add red dye to your nectar, as the decorations will be enough to attract the birds.
4. The Moving Water Trick
Installing a mister near your feeders can dramatically increase the numbers of hummingbirds visiting your yard. Hummingbirds love to be misted! Within days of installing my $20 garden mister, I gained lots of new visitors, most of whom use the mister to bathe, cool off, and drink.
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5. The Perch Positioning Hack
You can make it easier for the hummingbirds to rest while feeding by adding some small branches to your feeders. It's will also provide some great spots for them to look out while feeding. I use the thin dowel rods or a dead tree branch that extend from the feeder about 6 inches from each feeding hole. This way, your guests will stay longer and will continue to come back to feed.
6. Ways to Show Different Heights
In an attempt to lessen competition between hummingbirds and imitate their feeding behaviors, try to space the feeders at various heights. Heights between 5 and 8 feet are ideal. Personally, I found success with feeders at 5, 6, and 8 feet as many hummingbirds staked their claim to the various territories.
7. The Nectar Refresh Schedule
In hot weather, change the nectar every other day, and in cool weather, change it every 3-4 days. Fresh nectar attracts more birds, and daily batches will be more effective than weekly large batches. The birds do notice a difference. Also make sure to clean the feeders between each use with hot water, no soap is needed.
8. The Native Plant Border
It's good to know that bird feeders are popular but to see their full potential, couple them with bird feeder friendly flowering plants. I suggest planting clusters of colorful bird-attracting plants. My favorites are red tropical sage, red and purple bee balm, and red perennial lobelia. These plants attract a variety of birds, including some of the rare and beautiful hummingbirds.
9. Laying Out the Spider Web Preservation Plan
You should leave the spider webs that form around the feeding stations. They use the webs as nesting material, and the spiders provide a protein source by catching small bugs. I've left webs alone and noticed much more activity at the feeders. By incorporating an all-natural method, I've created a complete habitat for the hummingbirds which is why I have returning customers year after year.
10. Voedingsstelsel van sonop tot sononder
Great to make sure feeders are full of nectar from before sunrise to after sunset as energizing nectar is vital at dawn and dusk. Instead of leaving a feeder empty, I switch it out with one that is fully prepped to make sure peak feeding times have a fresh supply.
