Welcome Hummingbirds!

The arrival of the hummingbirds each spring is such a wonderful sign of the new season! I always make sure to put my feeder out early enough to catch the eye of the very first migrator passing through. I tell them every October when I put the feeder away to just text me their arrival date next year! Of course, they never listen! So the guesswork begins and eventually I catch their fluttering outside my kitchen window. Welcome hummingbirds!

Arrival Dates

If you are new to the hummingbird scene, the Audubon Society has a general guide to help you determine when the birds will arrive in your area. However, local bloggers found with a quick google search can provide much more detail. Garden centers in your area are also a wealth of knowledge. Just in my state alone, arrival times can vary by as much as a month or two. For me, I will put my feeder out in mid March. Last year, my first little visitor showed up on March 26th but you just never know.

I have always been fascinated by these tiny birds. I loved hearing the stories about the hummingbird scouts coming out to look for feeders and report back to the rest. Pretty story but absolutely not true. Hummingbirds are loners and migrate solo. They are also very territorial so flying back and forth beckoning others to come share their nectar is just not happening either. In fact, the male hummingbird is a little warrior at heart and will take on much larger birds to defend their food source.

Once your feeder is sighted however, it has been proven that the same birds will return year after year. Not by me of course. I can’t tell one from the other but those who study these pretty little birds say it is so! I do know, as most others will also say, each year my feeder becomes a little more popular.

Seeing Red

It’s true that most feeders tend to be red. But is that necessary? The answer to that from most authorities on the subject is yes… and… no! Helpful right??? Hummingbirds see colors on the yellow and red end of the color spectrum more easily. Through the years, in an attempt to attract them, feeders have been made with a lot of red. The birds have adapted and have learned that red often is the path to the nectar they crave.

While a red feeder may serve as an attraction, everyone agrees there is no need to add red food coloring to your recipe. In fact, most experts warn that dye can cause irreparable harm to the bird’s tiny digestive system.

Planting red flowers in the yard or in pots on patios and decks will also attract the hummers. However, while red will attract them, the best flowers are usually those that are tubular in shape such as lupines, columbines, and foxglove. Given their shape, they hold a good amount of the nectar the birds love.

Bottom line… red will attract them but it’s the nectar that keeps them coming back for more!

Choosing the Right Feeder

Choosing the right feeder is not just about the birds. Since you are the one who will fill it and clean it, it’s up to you to decide what works best. There are so many pretty ones to choose from so you also need to ask yourself why you want it. For some, it’s simply a pretty accent for yard. If that’s the case for you, the possibilities are endless. However, if the birds are your focus, you will want to choose one that is easy to clean. A dirty feeder can also cause harm to our little friends. In lower temperatures, cleaning the feeder once every 4 to 5 days is recommended. But in the heat of summer, every other day is the expert’s advice.

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With that in mind, I have linked to a few that have the best reviews for easy cleaning. Emptying and refilling is just a small part. A good cleaning means removing and cleaning each part and then reassembling it.

Location, Location, Location

Choosing the spot to hang your feeder is as important as choosing the feeder itself. It’s not just about making sure that a feisty feline can’t reach it. There is much more to consider. Direct sunlight on extremely hot days will make your nectar spoil very quickly. Hanging from a tree branch will alleviate that problem but it makes it less visible to the passing hummer. Not too mention, irresistible to the mischievous squirrel! It’s much better for you to welcome hummingbirds to your home then farming it out to others with less than noble intentions.

Of course, you want to be able to observe these cute tiny birds, so placing it near a window is also important. But again, keeping the birds safe is the ultimate goal. Make sure it is far enough away to give the birds plenty of room without hitting a glass wall!

Finally, wherever you hang your feeder, make sure it is within reach of a protective cover. Ten to twelve feet away from a tree or an overhang is perfect.

The Recipe

The recipe for your feeder is quite simple. 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Anyone can remember that right? But… recipes can be really cute when framed and part of your kitchen decor. So of course I needed to create one!

This printable is in a 5 x 5 format and will print without the frame I’ve used to display it above. Always free to members, simply click here to access the Library. Click on the thumbnail for the recipe and enter your password. Download and print!

If you haven’t joined us yet, please do! Enter your email in the form at the bottom of this page and your welcome letter with your password will arrive in minutes. Your password gives you complete access to everything in the Printable Library. New posts will be sent directly to your inbox on a weekly/bi-weekly basis. Spring is almost here and I am adding Spring Printable Art almost daily so you’ll be the first to choose!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and gained some good insight for the upcoming arrival of these beautiful birds. For more information, I’ve linked to some excellent books that will provide you with all you need to know to welcome hummingbirds this season.

Be sure to check out my latest post Feathering Your Nest For Spring. It includes directions to make your very own bird’s nest and a cute diy springtime decoration as well.

See you soon!