Hummingbirds

[sthrngypsy]

I love hummingbirds and was afraid there would be none here, but it looks like the ruby-throated hummingbird is common to this area. I found the information here:

Do yall do anything specific to attract hummingbirds? Do you like hummingbirds?

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I've tried hummingbird feeders. They occasionally come for them and the Oriole feeder. I've seen them attracted to a plant called Coral Bells but only occasionally at best.

This year I grew Mexican Sunflowers and I have seen more Hummingbirds than ever. I didn't plant them in an attempt to attract hummingbirds, so its been a great surprise. They are here at nearly every hour on most days. The bright orange color attracts them, butterflies, and bumble bees too.

You can buy them as Burpee Seeds. Plant them in Spring after frost in an area that is sunny. They like dry soil but may need occasional watering depending on the weather. They are annuals, so if you want them every year, you can collect their seeds and replant the next spring. Keep in mind these are large plants. The packet says 4'-6', which has been true for most of my plants, however, two of them are at 8' and growing!

I'm thrilled and will be growing more next year, but in a more open area.

I should also point out that I did have an issue with them tipping over in a recent downpour. I was able to save them, but some lower branches snapped. I have them tied to the fence now:

 

[evelynmcgregor]

You ave such a beautiful garden area. Hummingbirds in my area really like trumpet vines,, they have a nice orangy red flower. Several years ago I had a back yard with a huge willow tree. I hung a number of humming bird feeders and had a very large amount coming to feed. In face, there were so many hummingbirds that some days I had to refill the feeders,,, after refilling them the night before. They got so used to seeing me refilling the feeders, they would land in my hair and on my shoulders. I love your picture of th hummer at the flower.

 

[Trellum]

Well, one thing I have seen in my country is something like this:

The use honey diluted in water, it usually attracts a lot hummingbirds.

 

[claudine]

I've never seen a hummingbird in person Unfortunately, those adorable, little creatures don't live in my climate zone. It's too cold for them here. If t wasn't, I'd do anything to attract them to my garden. They're so pretty!

I really like these hummingbird feeders:

 

[sthrngypsy]

WOW! JB I am definitely going to try those if they grow in my area. Claudine I am going to look for some feeders like that. I like them better than the standard feeders. Evelyn that sounds neat. Wish you had a picture.

 

[ChanellG]

I saw a hummingbird recently in someone else's yard and it just cemented my resolve to put together a small garden plot of plants exclusively for hummingbirds and butterflies. One of my new favorite flowers, bat face, is a variety of cigar flower that is quite popular with hummingbirds. I've also been given a small blue porterweed plant - very popular with butterflies.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

saw this "OLD" thread at the bottom. So thought I'd answer, as it seems I did not before. Anyway, this year, have two pairs about. I use sugar water and change it every 4 days. to me it does not need to be full like the above picture, keep mine only 1/8 full, as I dump it every 4 days, for fresh. My feeder is like above pic, as I have seen they like to sit also. In the early spring I know they have arrived with I see them darting around my virginia blue bells. I have a honeysuckle vine on the deck that was bought for them, it blooms 4 times during the season. in August my yellow wax bells are a hit. One of my treasured vacations was at Ramsey Canyon, to see 28 species of hummers migrate in. so wonderful.

 

[ChanellG]

Just planted some pineapple sage for the hummingbirds in the garden of a friend. Last season they were in love it seems with the Mexican petunias and blue porterweed.

 

[BradinMichigan]

Hummingbirds in Michigan love Jacob Cline... I have some planted in the Detroit suburbs zone 6 and then my place in northeastern lower Peninsula zone 4. Slowly spreads but is very manageable and easy to divide and transplant to encourage spreading.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

 

[Esther Knapicius]

 

[BradinMichigan]

In the past we have always left our feeder up when we left our cabin. It's almost as if the hummingbirds know when to not eat it. But it's amazing those little suckers can also empty that thing in 2 days

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I still grow Mexican Sunflowers for the hummingbirds' autumn migration. They absolutely love it. It's great for the Monarch butterflies during migration, too. I had a few dozen monarchs at once last autumn!

Since my 2015 post, I've added a lot more plants specifically to help hummingbirds throughout the entire year.

Before the first species bloom, I hang my oriole feeder, which attracts hummingbirds, too. After the orioles stop showing up, I put it away because my hummingbird-friendly plants start blooming.

Eastern Red Columbine is the first to bloom for the hummers, in May.

As columbine starts to wind down, other species start to take over.

Blue Giant Hyssop

Scarlet Bee Balm

Cardinal Flower

Great Blue Lobelia

I wanted to make my garden more hummingbird-themed, and it's been working nicely. I saw more hummingbirds last year than ever before, and I hope the trend continues as more plants bloom this year and into the future. I continue to collect seeds from those plants and scatter more around each year. I want my yard to be a miniature sanctuary for wildlife.


EDIT: Here's a video I took last year.

 

[grynwasabi]

I'm very impressed with all the photos.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

this year, its upsetting. something is the matter. only saw a pair early on. none in last two months. and they usually dart about the honeysuckle vine like crazy. I change the food every 4 days. last year had two pair. then saw their babies.

 

[La Garden]

A few days back I was looking out the window at my messy willow tree, only to see a humming bird darting among the blooms on the tree. Never thought of a willow having nectar in the amounts needed for a humming bird. New discovery for me.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

A few days back I was looking out the window at my messy willow tree, only to see a humming bird darting among the blooms on the tree. Never thought of a willow having nectar in the amounts needed for a humming bird. New discovery for me.

I am thinking they are looking for pollen which is protein.

 

[Matriste]

Those mexican sunflowers look beautiful, orange is my favorite color, perhaps i will get some next year

 

[roadrunner]

I get them every day now, but I was very surprised in watching them sip from the flowers of the Moringa tree. It's not a native tree and not very common here and it has white flowers....always heard they go after the colorful flowers...