Backyard Birding

Hummingbirds are a favorite of many backyard birders. They are fascinating to watch as they flit about, searching for nectar and insects, and as they hover over a flower or feeder. Surprisingly tame, they will often approach you if you are wearing brightly colored clothing and seem unconcerned about your Hummingbirds are a favorite of many backyard birders. They are fascinating to watch as they flit about, searching for nectar and insects, and as they hover over a flower or feeder. Surprisingly tame, they will often approach you if you are wearing brightly colored clothing and seem unconcerned about your presence as they expend their energy trying to keep the competition out of their territory. If you are quiet, you may even hear their quick, aggravated chirp as they aggressively pursue each other.

Here in Eastern Nebraska, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummer we see and then typically only during migration. But it is worth planting some nectar producing flowers and putting out the feeder twice a year to enjoy their antics. Here are some tips for attracting hummingbirds to your yard:

1. Plant native, nectar producing flowers. Many of the same flowers which attract butterflies will attract hummingbirds.

2. Put a mister over your birdbath or somewhere in your yard. Hummingbirds love to play in the gentle spray.

3. Set out a hummingbird feeder. Or two.

4. If you are within their breeding range, do not sweep away all the spider webs around the outside of your house. Hummingbirds use webs to line their nests.

5. When you first begin feeding, try placing brightly colored objects around your yard. The birds will be attracted to the colors as they fly by and will hopefully locate your feeder more quickly this way.

If you choose to set up a feeder, there are a variety of styles to suit your preferences. Make sure it seals securely. The biggest problem we have had with these feeders is that they often do not seal and the nectar leaks out. You can fill them with commercially prepared nectar, but making your own sugar solution is easy and much cheaper.

1. Ensure the feeder is clean.

2. Boil some water to make sure it is sterile.

3. Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 cup of the boiled water.

4. Stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Do not add any coloring to the water. It is not necessary and may actually harm the birds.

5. Fill the feeder and set outside where you can enjoy it.

6. Clean the feeders daily. The sugar water is the perfect place to grow mold on a warm day and could make your hummingbirds very sick.

If you feed regularly and are patient, you might get some close up looks at these amazing birds, just like George here.

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