Landscaping & Gardening Information

Hummingbirds


Many individuals are fascinated by hummingbirds. So much so, that they will do anything in their power to attract these petite creatures to their yards. So what is the best way to attract these wee feathered friends?

Here are some tips to help make your home a hummingbird hot spot:

What Do Hummingbirds Eat?

Hummingbirds usually feed off flower nectar and sugar water that is left out for them in birdfeeders. They also feed off of small insects like ants, slugs and spiders. If you really want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, make sure your bird feeder is always filled with nectar and sugar water.

What Should My Hummingbird Feeder or House Look Like?

It is a well-known fact that hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. That being said, if the feeder you already have isn't red get out your paint brush or stick a large red bow on it to get their attention. The best hummingbird feeders have perches for the birds to stand on while they feed. The holes in hummingbird feeders are just big enough for the little guys to fit their heads in, but they're too small for squirrels and other larger animals so they can't steal the food.

Refrain from painting your hummingbird feeder or house yellow because bees and wasps are attracted to these colors and also enjoy the taste of sweet nectar. You'll want to keep insects as far away from your hummingbird feeders and houses as possible.

What Materials Should Hummingbird Houses or Feeders be made of?

Hummingbird feeders and houses are usually made of acrylic or glass. They are also available in wood and plastic; however these do not work as effectively and may cause harm to the birds (slivers and cuts). Hummingbird houses and feeders come in a variety of sizes and shapes and usually contain numerous feeding areas throughout the feeder.

Where Should I Put My Hummingbird Feeder?

Ideally, a hummingbird feeder should be hung near a garden with bright flowers and plants. A flowery location is most likely to attract the attention of hummingbirds. For your viewing pleasure, you may want to hang your feeder in a place that can be easily seen from your home. For example a hummingbird feeder hung in front of a window can be admired all day.

How Much Do Hummingbird Feeders Cost?

The styles and designs differ so much that it's difficult to determine a specific price. Hummingbird feeders and houses can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 - depending on the style, design and features.

Greg Pilson is an avid bird watcher who also dabbles in freelance photography of his favorite subjects. When he's not working full time in the engineering industry, he writes as a freelance writer for http://www.birdfeedersdirect.com - a site that offers information about various types of bird feeders and bird houses.


MORE RESOURCES:

Karyn Chester is CCHS teacher of the year
Camden County Tribune, GA - Oct 10, 2008
The Marietta native loves outdoor recreation such as kayaking, fishing, landscaping, gardening and spending time on Cumberland Island. ...


House & Garden Briefs
Ithaca Journal, NY - Oct 10, 2008
The Garden Hotline will be open from 10 am to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to provide advice on a variety of landscaping, gardening, and lawn care ...


Bay Area Reporter

Wedding announcements
Bay Area Reporter, CA - Oct 8, 2008
Their interests are opera, symphony, theatre, landscaping, gardening, entertaining (both being fine cooks) and Victorian house restoration, among others. ...


Calendar for Oct. 9
Milpitas Post, CA - Oct 9, 2008
... event planning, facilities planning, fundraising, grant writing, graphic design, and landscaping/gardening. The Wildlife Center, located in San Jose, ...


Working system
St Marys Star, Australia - Oct 6, 2008
The team completed a six-month project, which involved landscaping, gardening and carpentry at the Whalan Police Community Youth Club and Rural Fire Service ...


Cut to arts funding will have impact on all of us
Newsdurhamregion.com, Canada - Oct 2, 2008
Take away landscaping, gardening, architecture. Take away beauty, joy and laughter. Take away passion. What are we left with? Not much worth living for. ...


Allied still battling Ike
Evansville Courier & Press, IN - Sep 26, 2008
The waste is being taken to Laubscher Meadows Landfill, where it is being mulched and composted for use in landscaping, gardening or even in place of soil ...


Calendar for Sept. 18
Milpitas Post, CA - Sep 17, 2008
... event planning, facilities planning, fundraising, grant writing, graphic design, and landscaping/gardening. The Wildlife Center, located in San Jose, ...

Landscaping-Gardening - Google News

home | site map
© 2006