When it comes to going all out to attract the greatest numbers of hummingbirds to your yard, garden, and feeders, what you do to attract a few is what you can do to attract flocks of them.
A visit from one of these colorful creatures always feels magical. Here’s how you can encourage them to stop by more often.
◾ Add more feeders
The more feeders you make available, the more successful you will be attracting hummingbirds to your yard. You’re only limited by the size of your space and the number of safe places for the birds to perch
◾ Let them rest a little
Because hummingbirds can be territorial, placing a hummingbird swing near your feeder will give the bird a chance to rest while still being able to view their feeder or the nectar-rich plants they love.
◾ Use More Red
“Are hummingbirds attracted to red?” is a frequently asked question.
Whatever the reason, red seems to work. So, if you want to attract more hummingbirds, then use more red when planning your hummingbird garden oasis.
◾ Planting Weigela to Attract Hummingbirds
The weigela, with its trumpet-shaped flowers, can be a hummingbird’s favorite stop in your garden. Hummingbirds are drawn to flowers with fragrant nectar and red flowers, both of which weigela has in abundance. Plant and maintain weigela to share your garden all summer long with hummingbirds, the gems of the avian world.
TIP: Grow your weigela from seeds, if possible, to ensure their flowers produce abundant nectar. Some nursery-grown plants from cuttings tend not to produce as much nectar as original stock.
◾ How to Make Hummingbird Food
🔴 Mix 1 part refined white sugar with 4 parts water. Bring to a boil to kill any bacteria and completely dissolve the sugar. It’s very important to note that red dye should never be added. This is not healthy for our little friends.
🟡 Cool completely and then fill feeder.
🟢 Any remaining nectar can be stored for up to one week in the fridge.
◾ Don’t Forget Water
Along with a source of food, hummingbirds also need a water source. Each day, they take in as much as eight times their body weight in water. Much of this comes in the form of nectar, but they also sip from dew-soaked leaves and other sources.
