By ROBERT F. BRZUSZEK
How to make your yard an irresistible Hummingbird destination
Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating and widely anticipated little creatures to make an appearance each year. If you want your yard or garden to be a regular stop on their annual migration trip—here are some tips to make sure your yard is on their annual bucket list.
MIGRATION
Hummingbirds are migratory birds and spend their winters in Central and South America. They return to Mississippi in early spring and leave before the onset of cold weather in fall. These tiny birds like flashy bright colors and can be easily attracted to visit your garden with a red plastic feeder, which will let the birds know where your garden is located.
FOOD
Hummingbirds actually need a variety of food types in addition to sugar water. Insects are another important source of food, especially during the nesting season. They consume spiders and many types of flying insects. Because of this, it is very important not to use pesticides on plants when providing for the needs of hummingbirds.
It is actually unnecessary to provide sugar water feeders when the correct combinations of flowering plants are added to the garden. When this approach is used, it is important to provide plant types that either flower throughout the growing season or to use combinations of different plants that will extend nectar sources all year long. And if there is little room in your landscape for hummingbird plants, patio containers or hanging baskets are perfectly suitable for attracting these birds.
To attract hummingbirds, it is best to plant a large group of flowering plants rather than a single source. The extra blooms provide more food and are more noticeable. Since these birds are fiercely territorial, provide several locations of plants throughout the landscape.
Cypress vine, honeysuckle, and trumpet vines are all great perennial options to incorporate.
Hummingbirds typically arrive in Mississippi in March, at the time that red buckeye and native azalea shrubs are in bloom. Hummingbirds are said to follow the bloom time of these plants on their migration north, and these and other spring-blooming plants will attract them earlier to your garden. Most hummingbird flowers are tubular in arrangement or shape, scentless, brightly colored, and easy for hummingbirds to hover around. As hummingbirds visit the flowers, the pollen from the male flowers often coats the bird’s feathers and helps to pollinate the next flowers visited.
WATER
Water is an important factor for hummingbirds; as much as eight times their body weight is taken in per day! They will use any source of water but usually avoid landing on the ground, and prefer safe water sources. Typically, they avoid deep water, as in a birdbath, but it can be used by the addition of a few rocks or bricks to decrease depth.
A great source of water, especially in the summer, is with the addition of a mister. This small hose attachment shoots a fine spray or mist into the air. Hummers will fly through the mist to cool down on hot days or will drink from it.
SHELTER
A variety of landscape spaces appeals to hummingbirds and other birds. Open sunny areas, partial shade areas, and dense shade will provide opportunities for birds to either cool down or warm up. Groups of shrubs and trees will allow birds to perch and survey their territories or favorite plants, as well as keep an eye out for predators. The birds spend about four-fifths of each day perching quietly in trees or shrubs. Males will usually perch anywhere in the open, while the females tend to perch in protected areas of shrubs or trees.
NESTING SPACE
Hummingbirds usually use vines, shrubs, or trees as nesting sites. The nest is most often attached to a branch or in the crotch of a forked limb. Plant fibers, fluffy seeds, lichens, and spider webs are used to construct the tiny nest. Leave plenty of these items available in your yard throughout the year. Allow undisturbed areas of your yard to grow with thickets of trees, shrubs, and vines to provide for nesting space. Birds will not nest in high-traffic areas.
Robert F. Brzuszek is an Assistant Extension Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Mississippi State University. For more information about Hummingbirds, go to extension.msstate.edu
