As you may remember, the backyards that were brimming with life, also attracted the tiny little flying gems of nature – the hummingbirds. Sadly, they have disappeared from many people\'s backyards. This article describes nine reasons that may explain their absence and gives some advice on how to bring them back.
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Hummingbirds are known to migrate to find warmer climates and blooming flowers. If they are gone, they are likely traveling to or coming from warmer locations. You can really predict when they will return based on their established migratory habits. So, get the feeders ready for when they come back!
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2. Natural Food Sources Abound
At certain times of the year, natural food sources become abundant. This abundance may tempt hummingbirds away from your backyard feeder. During nectar and bug season, lots of flowers will bloom. They will prefer natural food sources over your feeder. Ensure your garden contains a variety of flowers, so you can attract them.
3. Predator Presence
Threats such as house cats, hawks, or other larger predatory birds may scare hummingbirds away from your yard. To attract hummingbirds to your yard, minimize these potential threats. Placing bird feeders away from hiding areas of predators and providing plenty of cover can greatly increase the chances of hummingbirds discovering your yard.
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4. Dirty Feeders
The more often you clean your hummingbird feeders, the more likely hummingbirds will be attracted to your yard, and the less likely harmful mold and bacteria will be developing in your feeders. In a best-case scenario, your feeders should be cleaned every day, using hot water and/or vinegar to safely clean the feeders free of any hazards.
5. Competition From Other Birds
Giant birds may be dominating the activity of feeding hummingbirds at the feeders. Other species might be taking control of the feeders, so you may want to try putting out more. Placing feeders at various points may alleviate competition and may provide areas for the little birds to gather.
6. Lack of Shelter
Hummingbirds require safe areas to rest and evade predators. If there are no trees, shrubs, or other covering elements within your yard, they may not feel secure enough to stay. When you combine various native plants, you are able to provide shelter for hummingbirds; thus, you will encourage them to stay longer.
7. Weather Changes
Extreme weather conditions like storms or cold snaps will prompt hummingbirds to go into hiding. Make sure to monitor the weather forecast and keep your feeders full before a storm to encourage them to come back after the storm.
8. Lack of Consistent Food
Hummingbirds love routine and consistent feeding stations. If your feeding stations consistently go dry, they may find other more consistent food sources. Regularly checking and refilling your feeders will keep your yard a reliable spot for these wonderful birds.
9. Changes in Habitat
Hummingbird conservation efforts help reduce the impacts caused by urban development. As the natural habitats of these birds disappear due to development, they must relocate. The creation of bird-friendly gardens and natural habitat conservation efforts help support efforts to mitigate the impacts caused by urban changes.
