How to Attract Hummingbirds

I'm in the process of getting the hummingbird and oriole feeders set up. The little guys will be here in no time. I have my hummingbird feeder hanging on my deck so I can see it from the sliding glass door in my dining room when I'm working on the computer. 

Every year I seem to be attracting more and more. The fact that I have two ponds in the backyard with running water is one of the keys.

Once you see them feeding, stay alert. They feed five to eight times per hour, so keep that hummingbird feeder full. They consume one half their weight in sugar daily. 

I have hummingbird vines growing in my side yard and onto the deck. They like to feed there as well as other plants I have growing, but they definitely like the feeder.

I'll mix two cups of water and one-half cup sugar in a pan and bring it close to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove it and let it cool before filling the feeder. The ratio of the mix is one part sugar to four parts water. Do not use food coloring!

Something I didn't know is that hummingbirds can be aggressive towards other birds. One kept dive bombing a blue jay who made the mistake of landing on the feeder. It was entertaining.

Get some flowers out in your yard and, if possible, running water. Fill the feeders and wait for the little guys.

One thing I did find out is to try to keep your feeders out of the direct sunlight if possible. The sugar will not ferment too quick and will last longer.

When you buy your feeder, try to get one that you can easily clean. You'll need to clean it to keep it fresh. Here's a picture of one of mine. It's easy to clean, easy to fill, and doesn't cost much.

If spring is near when you read this, get them feeders out. And once the birds arrive, make sure you keep their feeders full or they'll mosey on over to the neighbor's yard.

Hummingbird picture is by marvinbla at Pixabay.