Attracting Hummingbirds

In our region (western Washington), the most frequently viewed hummingbirds are the Rufous and Anna’s, with Calliope making a rare appearance. The Rufous is migratory, wintering in CA and Mexico- one of the longest migrations of any bird species. Hummingbirds arrive in the Northwest between late February and early March. Males leave again to head south in June or July, while females and juveniles leave in July through September.

The Anna’s hummingbird has become a year-round resident, perhaps increasing its northern range due to the popularity of feeders. The birds may also make use of garden plantings of non-native plants that bloom in winter. Many Anna's hummingbirds do migrate, but not to long distances. In addition to human-provided resources, torpor is essential to their winter survival. This is a physiological trick used by hummingbirds and numerous other bird species to alter metabolism and conserve energy during periods of cold temperatures or scarce food supplies.

For more information about Washington’s birds, see the Seattle Audubon Society site, http://birdweb.org/birdweb

Hummingbird feeders:

The best feeder is clear glass with a bit of red on it. Attractive as they are, the stoneware feeders one sees have a major disadvantage, which is that you can’t see the nectar. This is bad, because the “nectar” you provide must be fresh; when it clouds up, you know it’s starting to ferment and needs to be changed. Opaque feeders are also harder to clean thoroughly.

The color is a less major consideration than many people think. A bit of red on a new feeder will indeed attract the attention of hummingbirds – but once they know where it is, hummingbirds will remember, even upon return the next spring after a long migration. And hummingbirds watch each other to figure out where food sources are, so once you have a couple of visitors, others will follow.

DO NOT place red dye in your hummingbird nectar, and do not use the red commercial preparations. This is completely unnecessary, and only adds a potential toxin to the already precarious life of this small bird.

Mix plain white sugar (NEVER honey or brown sugar; these contain stuff that easily breeds bacterial and fungal contamination) – in proportion of one part sugar to 4 or 5 parts distilled or boiled water. Cool the water before filling the feeder, which should be cleaned regularly and at least rinsed with very hot water every time it is refilled. Bleach is fine for a regular more thorough cleaning; rinse thoroughly with very hot water.

In warm weather, the nectar may need to be changed daily. In the coldest part of the winter, you can probably get away with once-weekly changes of nectar, and may need to take the feeder indoors overnight when temperatures are freezing, so that you will have something liquid for hummingbirds in the morning.

Hang the feeder where you can see it, but as much as possible out of reach of predators like cats. If possible, place the feeder near large shrubs or trees, so that the hummers will have a refuge from aerial predators. If you’re fortunate enough to have hummingbird-attracting plants that have been in your yard for a few years, it will be easier to attract the attention of hummers to your feeder.

Gardening for hummingbirds:

Lists of hummingbird flowers abound. While red, tubular flowers are certainly prime hummingbird food, hummers will also be attracted to any nectar-bearing flower of any shape or color. Good bets from spring to fall include Salmonberry, Penstemon, Salvia, Agastache, Monarda, perennial Lobelia, Crocosmia, tender or hardy Fuchsia, Phygelius, Abutilon, and many more.

A few winter-blooming plants that provide nectar for hummingbirds include some species of Mahonia (related to our native Oregon Grape) and several Hellebores.