Over the years of observing these interesting flying performers, I`ve come to the conclusion that sometimes we are the problem rather than the solution to attracting hummingbirds. What you believe is helping may be sending these little guests away. Here are 12 mistakes that may be keeping hummingbirds from coming to your yard.
Bring Hummingbirds Right To Your Window!
Check Price1. Using Red Dye in Your Nectar
Some folks don't know that adding red dye to sugar water is unnecessary, and could potentially be harmful to the birds. The birds are attracted to the red parts of the feeder. Just stick to plain sugar water in a 4:1 ratio. My yard has been buzzing with activity since the 70s because I've been doing it this way.
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2. Letting Feeders Go Stale
Hummingbird nectar should be changed every couple of days when it's hot outside because the sugar water can ferment very quickly. In the changing seasons, it's best to change the nectar every 3-4 days. In the summer changing the nectar every 4-5 days is best. It can be hard to win their trust back once they avoid a feeder. Once they come back for a feeder they may remember the bad nectar and will avoid the entire feeder. Seasons of neglect of entire neighborhoods have been seen from scorchers.
3. Improper Feeder Placement
By hanging all your feeders in one place, you create a territory war zone, so be sure to set your feeders at least 6 feet apart and at varying heights. Also take care not to put them near windows (without safety measures; window strikes are lethal), and I've had the most success with multiple feeding stations spaced around the perimeter of my yard.
4. Pesticides Used in the Garden
Hummingbirds require bugs as protein, which makes up about 25 percent of their nutrition, so when you use pesticides, you're removing an important food source. Also, the pesticides can be harmful to the birds. I changed to organic pest control a few years ago and my population of hummingbirds has increased twofold.
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5. Not Providing Moving Water
Hummingbirds genuinely enjoy flying through mist and light sprays when they’re trying to cool off! You can install some birdbath misters and attract more hummingbirds to your yard with a “hummingbird spa.” They will appreciate it for cooling off, drinking, and bathing. I’ve seen hummingbirds on hot days dive through sprinkler sprays over and over again.
6. Removing Spider Webs
Have you considered leaving spider webs alone? They are great resources for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds use spider silk for their nests and the insects the webs catch are perfect protein sources. The next time you see spider webs, please consider leaving them, especially around your hummingbird feeders. I've seen hummingbirds use the same webs several times a day!
7. Planting the Wrong Flowers
While those hybrid flowers may be beautiful, they may not produce the nectar that hummingbirds need. Consider using native plants and classics such as trumpet honeysuckle, cardinal flower, and native salvias. Also, plant in clusters for better visibility and select varieties that bloom throughout the season for continuous diversity.
8. Forgetting Winter Residents
Some hummingbird species have started to winter over in a few regions. If you take down all your feeders in the fall, you might encourage these hardy residents to move on. You can leave a feeder up all winter, just be sure to bring it in at night if the temperatures drop below freezing. I’ve kept Anna’s Hummingbirds year round by doing this.
9. Missing the Early Arrivals
Put out your feeders before your first hummingbird sighting! Early scouting hummingbirds can skip your yard if they don't find food. To avoid losing any hummingbirds, put out your feeders 2 weeks before the expected dates of arrival. Due to climate change, I now put out feeders a full month earlier than I did 30 years ago, and I have observed altered migration patterns.
10. Ignoring Feeder Maintenance
Simply rinsing your feeder will not cut it. Every time they are refilled, they need to be cleaned and soaked in hot water. No soap is needed for this. If not cleaned regularly, the feeders will develop black mold and sickening the birds. I use a bottle brush and other specialized cleaning tools to make sure every single port and crevice is spotless.
11. Fostering a Hostile Environment
Larger birds, praying mantises, and even some species of cats can all prey on hummingbirds. When placing feeders, consider the surrounding area and try to position them out of reach from hiding places predators can use. To help protect the little guys, I put barriers on my feeders and keep my cats inside – they better appreciate how safe my place makes them!
12. Being Impatient
Hummingbird Friendly Yards are built over time. It can take three or more seasons before your space attracts birds. Maintain fresh feeders and plant native flowers. I now host dozens of birds all season after attracting my current population over three seasons. Something to keep in mind is good things come to those who wait, as long as those bird feeders are maintained.
