Hummingbirds ? Attracting Those Little Flying Powerhouses

It's early in May a beautiful fairly warm day so I've decided to enjoy it and sit on the front porch.

While relaxing in a rocking chair with my eyes closed, just enjoying the sun and early warmth I begin to hear a sound off in the distance. At first it's not recognizable, sounds almost like a hum from a model airplane.

As it begins to get louder I'm beginning to think I know what the source of this strange noise is.

I open my eyes and sure enough just as I thought there is a small green colored Hummer hovering right at the edge of the porch ? coincidentally right where a feeder normally hangs ? now I'm not certain but he appears to be looking right at me like he's trying to tell me "Hey, I'm back, where's the food".

Every year it's the same, they show up around Mothers Day and every year I'm always a little surprised to see them and of course not prepared. Well so much for my relaxing afternoon, it's time to get out the feeders, clean them and make up some food then get them hung. And so begins another season with these marvelous entertaining little birds.

Attracting Hummingbirds:

Hummers have a good memory they can remember where to find food sources from previous years. However in order for them to remember your home you will first need to let them know about it.

There are two ways to accomplish this, first by planting or hanging flowers that will attract them, second is to have an additional food source such as a hanging feeder that you keep filled with a syrup solution.

Flowers that have red to orange blossom colors are known to attract them but they will visit any color if they discover sufficient nectar.

Blossom shape is also important as this little birds beak is long and tapered, so downward-hanging blossom ? Honeysuckle is a good example ? are a favorite.

Several other varieties are as follows. These particular flowers are geared for the Northeast ? where I happen to live ? so you will want to check within your region for appropriate blooms.

Perennials:

· Bee Balm
· Salvia
· Foxglove
· Lilac
· Hollyhock
· Forsythia

There are several Annuals that will also satisfy their little palettes.

· Fuchsia
· Impatiens
· Petunia

As these are favorites in the use of hanging baskets each summer try hanging several around your home. The most common place of course is on your front porch or on hooks around a deck or patio; another idea is to hang some right from tree branches. I've done this and not only do the Hummers like them; it also adds color and interest out in the yard.

Putting Up A Feeder:

From elaborately decorated glass to simple plastic there are numerous types of feeders to choose from.

I will tell you from experience, I've used both ? the decorated one just because it was pretty, the Hummers really didn't care ? and I ended up with a simple teardrop shaped clear glass container with perches around the base, it was easy to tell when the solution was low and simple to take apart.

Where to hang your feeder or feeders ? once you start, guaranteed you'll have to have more than one ? is up to you and the layout of your home and yard. If you have an open porch this is a great place or from tree branches. Most people look for spots where the birds can be seen; after all half the fun comes from watching these little dynamites. Feeders that mount to windows with suction cups are another alternative.

What To Fill Them With:

Two choices here, pre-made solution or hand made, the choice is up to you. I personally have done both but if you prefer to make your own the following is the standard recipe.

· One part ordinary white cane sugar to four parts water
· Boil the water is you wish however it is not really necessary
· Store unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you choose to make your own solution, do not add honey as it ferments very rapidly and can be fatal to the birds. Also the addition of red food coloring is not necessary, they will find the food without it.

Maintenance of Feeder:

Sugar and water mixed together will ferment ? not good for the birds ? which limits it's usability, this can happen very quickly during hot summer months.

Therefore when temperatures range between 60-85 degrees ? or higher ? the mixture really should be changed about every three days, of course if you happen to have a few Hummingbirds visiting your outdoor diner then you will be refilling about this amount of time anyway. If you should notice any cloudiness in the mixture change it right away.

Before refilling feeder be sure to thoroughly clean the feeder with warm soapy water and rinse very thoroughly. This is where having a feeder that comes apart easily is important.

Attracting these wonderful little birds is not only entertaining it's also beneficial as they also eat insects.

Plant some Bee Balm, hang a container filled with a beautiful Fuchsia plant and last but not least put up a feeder. You'll find that having your peaceful afternoon snooze on the porch interrupted is worth it.

If you would like to learn more about the Hummingbird the following web site are filled with lots of great information.

· The Hummingbird Society - www.hummingbirdsociety.org
· The Hummingbird Web Site - www.portalproductions.com

This is a share ware article. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2005 bonnie carrier.

Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating & Savvy Outdoor Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Stop by for information and ideas for both inside and outside your home.

http://www.savvy-home-decorating.com
http://www.savvyoutdoordecorating.com

---

How to Grow Basil

Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs... Read More

Easy to Grow Roses

There are many different types of roses. If you are... Read More

What is Compost Tea?

Organic gardeners all know compost is fantastic stuff. But now,... Read More

Tips on How to Plant Roses

When spring comes and the ground is thawed, it is... Read More

Teak Patio Furniture Is The Perfect Choice For Your Terrace

You have spent hours of time and quite a lot... Read More

The Swallowtail -- A Beautiful Butterfly

Swallowtail butterflies are some of the most beautiful butterflies found... Read More

Teak Furniture - How to Care for it Properly

Many finer homes and businesses feature beautiful indoor and outdoor... Read More

Commercial and Residential Flagpoles

The world's tallest unsupported flagpole is located in Amman, Jordan.... Read More

Garden Delights For Midsummer

We have once again reached the wonderful magical time of... Read More

How to Plant Tulips

Quality Dutch tulip bulbs are easy to come by and... Read More

Pond Filter

A pond filter is one of the most important components... Read More

Butterfly Gardening

Butterfly gardening is not only a joy, it is one... Read More

The Meanings Behind the Colors of Roses

Roses are a sign of love and friendship and by... Read More

Set Out a Feast for Your Feathered Friends

February is "Feed the Birds" month in much of North... Read More

Hills and Holes: Not Part of Your Landscaping Design?

Do pests 'gopher' your lawn? Chances are, if you have... Read More

Organic or Chemical Feeding of Plants - Whats Best

A fundamental question in vegetable gardening is - what is... Read More

Come With Me To The Casbah!

A ripe persimmon is a thing of beauty ? sweet,... Read More

Discount Patio Furniture ? An Easy Way to Get the Best

Buying discount patio furniture is an economical way to obtain... Read More

Orchids Are One Of Natures Most Beautiful Flowers

Orchids are beautiful flowers. The interesting thing about orchids is... Read More

Garden for Birds #3

Well, another week is passing us by.I want to thank... Read More

Wildlife Gardener

Gardening for wildlife has become quite a passion for me,... Read More

Environmentally Safe Ways to Remove Weeds

There is a lot of concern about herbicides and what... Read More

Good Tools and Hard Work is What Creates EyeCatching and Functional Gardens

"Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade." -Rudyard... Read More

Lawn Disease And What To Do About It

Every lawn, whether new or established, is susceptible to a... Read More

Sleeping Beauties: Porches For Dreaming

There's something magical about sleeping outside, drinking in the night... Read More

Wooden Greenhouses

An important addition to any British back garden, the greenhouse... Read More

Mosquito Farms? Is That What Water Gardens Are?

What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The... Read More

Storm Damage and Mature Tree Pruning

One winter evening I was working on the computer when... Read More

Garden Swings Create an Enchanted Garden Setting

Nothing invites one to sit and enjoy a lovingly created... Read More

Hummingbird Nesting Facts

Every spring the United States and Canada are blessed with... Read More

Gardening with Bamboo

Myths and facts A misconception about bamboo is that they... Read More

The Truth About Tulips

Roses may be beautiful but Tulips are magnificent. The huge... Read More

Professional Lawn Watering Techniques - Wireless Sensors for Lawns in Drought Areas

The technnology secrets will help home owners maintain lawns in... Read More