How to Attract Tons of Hummingbirds

For birdwatchers and regular people alike, we are enamored with hummingbirds. Maybe it's due to their small size, their bright colors, or their trademark hum. For whatever reason, we love seeing their little presences in our yards; But how do we get them to come around?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• sugar
• water
• hummingbird feeder
• "hummingbird-friendly" plants

1. 
    
   Feeders are the easiest way to attract hummingbirds

   Of course, don't forget about a hummingbird feeder.
   Putting a feeder out at the start of spring is a sure fire way to attract a lot of hummingbirds. They just love the sugar water provided by those colorful feeders. You can buy nectar mixes to put in your hummingbird feeder, or you can make your own.

2. Making your own nectar is ridiculously simple, and you only need sugar and water. To make your nectar, boil four cups of water with one cup of sugar. After the sugar is completely dissolved, allow the water to cool. Once the sugar water is cooled you can now put it into your hummingbird feeder. While many people add red food coloring to their nectar, this isn't necessary to attract hummingbirds.

3. 
    
   Planting colorful flowers is a great way to attract hummingbirds.

   Try planting some plants/flowers that hummingbirds like. Not only will these provide a natural source of nourishment for the humminbirds, but they will help to beautify your yard as well. Check the tips box at the bottom for a small list of hummingbird-friendly plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't add honey to the feeder. This can cause a fungus to grow that can kill the hummingbirds.
• Hummingbird-friendly plants: Azaleas, Beebalm, Begonia, Blackfoot Daisy, Elderberry, Geranium, Red-Flowered Yucca, (just to name a few)

[marilynsmiles]

on 8/16/2009 Hummingbirds are so cool! Thanks for the tips. 5*s

[blindsquirrel]

on 8/13/2009 Love those little critters. They like bright orange too. I saw one hovering around an orange and yellow bag on my porch. Thanks for the recipe and tips!

[mrsmore]

on 8/1/2009 I love hummingbirds, going to try this. REC.

[vallain]

on 7/30/2009 I can't even imagine how many hummingbirds it would take to make a ton. They're wonderful to see in your yard. Thanks for the recipe for the nectar.

[cherylscott]

on 7/28/2009 Have to do this. 5s.