subject: Attracting Hummingbirds [print this page] You'll be surprised by how many people are captivated by hummingbirds. Some to an extent that they'll do whatever they can to lure these birds into their garden. So what does one do to draw these fragile birds down from the sky?
Learn these techniques so you can become closer to your favorite birds:
Feed Them
Flower nectar and sugar water are their usual favorites, make sure you leave some accessible in your backyard. They also like eating tiny critters such as ants, slugs and spiders. Make sure that your feeder is always full of nectar and sugar water so that the hummingbirds would come back again and again.
Give Them Shelter
If there is one color the Hummingbirds really like, it is red. It's good if your bird house is red already, but if not it's just a matter of changing the color with a little paint or attaching some red object on it. Perches would be a great feature on a bird feeder, it would give the birds somewhere to rest while they eat. You may be wondering why the holes in the bird house are so little that you can't slip your hand in, that is because it is designed to be just big enough so that only birds can come in, not sneaky little squirrels.
On the other hand, yellow would be a terrible color for your bird feeder because it tends to attract bees wasps, all the more so since these insects also drink sweet nectar. Insects have the tendency to monopolize the feeders, so check yours regularly so insects won't stay.
Types of Bird Houses
Acrylic and glass are usually the materials used to make bird feeders and houses. You'll see other bird feeders and houses made of wood and plastic, but not many use this because there's a greater chance that the birds will be harmed if they get caught on the rough edges. There are a lot of houses and feeders to choose from, each coming in different sizes and shapes and some containing more than one feeding areas.
Placing Your Feeder
The garden would be the ideal location for your hummingbird feeder, since this is where you usually find plants and flowers. Everyone knows birds like to hang around plants, especially flowery plants. It would be a good idea if you can place your bird feeder on a spot where you can quietly observe the various activities of the birds. If you place it near your kitchen window, you'll be able to see it as you prepare your family's meals.
Purchasing The Feeder
It would be hard to give a definite price because there are so many varieties in hummingbird feeders and houses. The cost, ten to fifty dollars, depends on many things - the size, color, shape, material, and even the number of feeding areas.
