We absolutely love hummingbirds. In our area there are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that migrate up for breeding season during Spring and Summer.
Last year, we started trying to attract them a little late, but by the end of Summer and definitely by early Fall, we started to have consistent visits from a pair of hummingbirds. This is how we did it.
First, we went to our local greenhouse and got some red flowers. They were called Salvia Coccinea, or Scarlet Sage wildflowers. They looked perfect for hummingbirds, who love bright colors, because they had long tubular flowers lining the stems. We had the flowers out all summer and eventually they caught the hummingbird’s attention.
We also got a hummingbird feeder and found a recipe for homemade Hummingbird nectar on the Audubon website. I made sure to use the recommended sugar because, as Audubon warns, other sugars can cause problems for the hummingbirds and honey can result in dangerous fungal growth. Hummingbird nectar should be changed out regularly in order to ensure that there isn’t anything growing that will harm the birds.
We love making our own nectar because the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds love it, it’s so easy to make, and it’s cost-effective. First thing this Spring, the Hummingbirds came straight to us!
Until next time, keep on birding <3 Kate
