hummingbirds

Male Anna's hummingbird in Aloe arborensis

Information on Hummingbirds

In order to attract hummingbirds, you will need to provide 3 things: Hummingbird feeders, nectar plants, and a small, shallow trickling water source or bird bath. Hummingbird feeders come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. The main thing to do is to provide fresh nectar for the hummingbirds by mixing one part sugar to 4 parts water. Clean the feeders weekly, and change the nectar once or twice a week as well. Try not to use any products that have red dye or red food coloring, as this may be harmful to the hummingbirds. Nectar plants can be found at your local nursery that hummingbirds will enjoy. Some of them include: aloe, begonia, cardinal flower, columbine, dahlia, geranium, fuschia, honeysuckle, sage, penstemon, paintbrush, and verbena. A small birdbath or trickling water source will help during the hot spells by giving them a place to bathe. play, and drink. To learn more about hummingbirds, try these web sites: hummingbirds.net or hummingbirdworld.com

Male Anna's Hummingbird in Reed-Stem Epidendrum

*To see my published on-line article 'Tiny-Feathered Friends of Reed-Stem Epidendrums', click on the following link to the American Orchid Society's (AOS) official web site: www.aos.org and then click on July 2009 Preview.