Yard decorating in late February may seem unusual, but we have all seen the bright red ribbons on trees and bushes and have wondered why so many people do this. There is a good reason for it. It helps migrating hummingbirds identify your yard from the air, and can even make your backyard their first stop to refuel!
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Hummingbirds use visual cues to help them navigate their migration routes. One of the strongest colors that attract them is red. In the wild, a few types of plants such as salvias, trumpet vines, and coral honeysuckle serve as indicators of plentiful nectar with their tubular red flowers. However, many of these plants have not begun to bloom yet during late February, particularly in the areas where the hummingbirds start their migration northward.
This is where the red ribbon comes into play. Red ribbons are meant to mimic nectar flowers, and thus, visually guide the birds to your yard. As small, migratory, and opportunistic feeders, ruby-throated hummingbirds will start responding to visual guides as early as late February when they are at the Gulf Coast. Around the same time, rufous hummingbirds will begin their migratory route along the Pacific Coast.
These little birds have difficulties during their migration. They fly hundreds or even thousands of miles. When they see something red, their instinct makes them go toward it to investigate. A yard with red ribbons placed around feeders gives these exhausted birds a better chance of finding food.
Of course, the ribbon will not provide food, but think of it as advertising. Once the hummingbirds get close enough to check out the red piece, they will discover your nectar feeders, early-blooming flowers, or other resources that you have provided. It is a simple visual trick that works with their natural foraging behavior.
Why February Timing Matters Most
There's a reason February is celebrated as National Bird Feeding Month. This time of year in North America is particularly difficult for birds. They no longer have access to most natural food sources, there are no insects available, and it is often still very cold. The birds that overwinter in your area are trying to find enough food to maintain their body heat in order to survive until spring.
Migrating hummingbirds view late February as a very important date. These birds don’t wait for ideal weather conditions in the spring. They are driven by internal instincts along with daylight and temperature changes to determine the right moment to begin their migration north. This means that they often migrate through places where temperatures are still fall-like. As a result, there are no flowering plants for food.
When you hang red ribbons in your yard in late February instead of waiting until March or April, you are getting your yard ready at just the right time. Early migrants get the assistance they need and attract hummingbirds to your yard for the entire breeding season. If hummingbirds find a consistent food source, they will come back to that spot year after year.
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The timing is great for other species as well. Northern cardinals like red berries and fruits, so they might check out the ribbons. While the ribbons won’t trick them into thinking food is there, the activity at your feeders may attract their attention to the sunflower seeds and safflower seeds you put out.
Steps To Effectively Hang Red Ribbon
There’s no need to get anything too fancy! Standard craft store red ribbon works just fine. Look for the options that have weatherproof ribbon, but standard fabric ribbon will last for several weeks, even in the rain.
Cut ribbons into strips about twelve to eighteen inches long. This gives them enough length to catch some wind and create some movement to draw the attention of the hummingbirds flying above. Securely tie the ribbons around tree branches, porch railings, shepard hooks, or shrubs in your yard.
Place ribbons close to your feeders (within 3-6 feet of the feeders). This encourages a more direct link between the ribbons and the food source. By the end of February, it is time to get your feeders out, If you haven't done so already. To make your own nectar, use 1 part white sugar and 4 parts water. Don't use red dye.
You should place ribbons on the south side of your yard where ribbons most likely to show up in the south. You can place ribbons every ten to fifteen feet to create multiple visual cues without overwhelming the landscape.
Depending on where you are, you can keep the ribbons until March and into early April. When the native flowers start blooming and giving natural red cues, then you can start taking some ribbons down. The intention is to create a temporary decoration that will help cross the threshold from late winter to early spring.
Please do not place ribbons where they may tangle or harm birds. Please keep ribbons tied so they do not come untied and become litter. Be sure to keep ribbons away from potential nesting areas for birds.
Enhance Your Yard This Winter With More Bird Feeding Tips
A fully functional backyard habitat strategy is best with red ribbon. Black oil sunflower seeds give cardinals, chickadees, and finches great protein and fat. Suet cakes help woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other insect-eaters who are having a tough time finding food.
Water is just as important as food during this time. Birds need to drink and bathe even in cold weather. However, natural water sources may be frozen. A heated birdbath helps to provide water when birds need it most. Position your heated birdbath near feeders and birds’ ribbons to create a complete rest stop.
Shelter is also important. Native evergreens, brush piles, and dense shrubs provide protection for birds against wind, rain, and predators. If your yard doesn't provide natural shelter, think about allowing ornamental grasses to remain uncut during the winter, or about putting together a simple brush pile in the corner of your yard.
When using the ribbon strategy for these birds, you can also consider planting early-blooming natives for hummingbirds. Once established, birds will begin to rely less on feeders as these plants will provide them with natural nectar. Coral honeysuckle, red columbine and native currants are all great options.
Put some red ribbon on your yard and watch as birds stop by, nest, and return to your yard year after year. You provide great shelter, food, water, and safety which leads to your yard becoming a bird sanctuary, and your red ribbon will be the start of something beautiful. It will become a place where migrating birds\r stop and stay for the season and return again and again. It is safe to say that if you put a red ribbon around your yard, it will become a bird sanctuary and heaven.
Change the sugar water every three to five days to avoid harmful fermentation. If it is warm, it may have to be changed more frequently. Cleaning the feeders with a brush is strongly recommended to avoid the build-up of mold and bacteria, and should be done at least every week.
Happy birding!
