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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Attracting Hummingbirds

I’m pretty sure Summer just started, so why does it already feel like it’s almost over?  Can somebody slow things down, please?  I don’t know about you, but I plan to savor every moment we have left in this wonderful season- starting with the view from my parents’ kitchen table.  Although my Mom and Dad’s house is gorgeous no matter what the season, Summer offers a special view of my favorite visitors to the property…hummingbirds!  Turns out hummingbirds are a lot like most men- if you feed them, they will come.  We’ve got a few feeders hanging by the kitchen windows to keep our tiny friends buzzing around and they work like a charm.  Somehow it doesn’t matter how often they come around…it never gets old.  They just don’t look real!  If you’re up for a visit from a hummingbird family near you, try one of these tricks of the trade.

Plant a Hummingbird Garden
                     

Hummingbirds don’t have a great sense of smell, but they are incredibly visual.  Most flowers that attract them are brightly colored and produce a lot of nectar.  Try a few of the following; Azalea, Butterfly Bush, Cape Honeysuckle, Flowering Quince, Mimosa, Red Buckeye, Coral Honeysuckle, Cypress Vine, Morning Glory, Trumpet Creeper, Columbine, Hosta, Fuchsia, Impatiens, and Petunia.

Buy a Hummingbird Feeder
                           

Some Hummingbird feeders are nearly as lovely as the birds themselves.  I especially like this $30 Ruby Red faceted glass and copper piece.  Hummingbirds are said to be attracted to red, so just fill it with sugar water (1 Part Sugar, 4 Parts Water, Boil 1-2 Minutes, Cool & Store In Refrigerator) and you’re on your way.  

Purchase a Small Fountain
                 

Like all birds, hummingbirds love running water.  If it’s practical for your yard, consider a small bird bath fountain like this minimally invasive Copper Solar Birdbath from Target.

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