Use Hummingbird Feeders Effectively
Many people will use feeders for the sake of attracting hummingbirds. This practice can work, but it's still important to use feeders properly. For one thing, the feeders have to be very carefully maintained. People will need sugar water or some variant in order to attract hummingbirds to the feeder.
Sugar water will easily attract bacteria and mold. Hummingbirds have an even harder time coping with mold and bacteria than humans.
It's important to frequently wash the feeder with an environmentally safe dish soap and to thoroughly rinse it as well as keep the sugar water fresh.
Whenever the sugar water develops a cloudy appearance, it should be changed. Otherwise, people should not leave it outside for more than three days or so.
However, it also isn't true that hummingbirds need specialized hummingbird nectar. Attracting hummingbirds with simple sugar water really is possible. It's also certainly more realistic and cost-effective for most people than the alternatives.
Simply combine 1 part cane sugar and 4 parts filtered water to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, steering frequently, then cover and set aside to cool completely before transferring to the feeder. This simple recipe for hummingbird nectar is both cost-effective and the birds love it.
Attracting Hummingbirds With the Right Plants
People who choose to plant certain flowers, vines, trees, and shrubs will be more likely to attract hummingbirds on a regular basis. In this case, they're actually using the instincts of hummingbirds to their advantage, and this really can make all the difference.
Gardens that are full of begonias, petunias, geraniums, and fuchsia flowers will all be effective at attracting hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds also really love the color red, so red versions of these flowers will often be particularly effective at getting the attention of hummingbirds.
Morning glory trees, eucalyptus trees, and tulip poplar trees are also favorites for hummingbirds. These trees and flowers have the advantage of being gorgeous to humans as well, and they'll look great in many gardens.
