Creating your own hummingbird nectar is a rewarding way to attract these vibrant creatures to your backyard. However, while making nectar seems straightforward, there are common mistakes that can harm these delicate birds. For example, red food dye in hummingbird nectar can lead to health issues.1 This underscores the importance of using the correct ingredients … Read more
Hummingbirds are the tiniest of birds, but they lead incredibly active lives. With wings beating up to 80 times per second, they expend tremendous energy just staying airborne and fueling their blazing metabolisms. A study published in the Ornithological Research Archive tells us that hummingbirds begin feeding around 20 minutes before sunrise and end their … Read more
Catmint (Nepeta) is a hardy, long-blooming perennial that attracts hummingbirds with its tubular lavender-blue flowers. This easy-care plant is a must-have for any hummingbird garden. With its long flowering period and drought tolerance once established, catmint provides consistent color and sustenance that keeps hummingbirds coming back all season. What Is Catmint? Catmint, or Nepeta, is … Read more
Hummingbirds, with their iridescent feathers and rapid wingbeats, bring a splash of magic to any garden. But to keep these tiny marvels coming back, there’s an essential task that every hummingbird enthusiast must adhere to: frequently changing the sugar water in their feeders. Why Hummingbirds Need Sugar Water Hummingbirds are energy dynamos. With heart rates … Read more
Hummingbirds are known for their love of bright, vibrant flowers, and there’s one bloom that seems to have a particularly magnetic appeal: chocolate cosmos. These striking flowers, with their deep red hues and unique chocolate scent, not only add beauty to any garden but also act as a powerful lure for hummingbirds. Why Hummingbirds Love … Read more
Setting up a hummingbird feeder is an exciting way to attract these tiny, colorful birds to your yard. But.. you might be wondering, “How long until I see my first hummingbird?” Well, the wait can vary, but with a little patience and the right approach, you’ll soon be enjoying their delightful company. 1. Are There … Read more
When you think of hummingbirds, what usually comes to mind? Perhaps their astonishingly rapid wing flaps or their dazzling iridescent colors. But have you ever wondered where these tiny avian marvels tuck in for a night’s rest? Unlike their ostentatious day-to-day antics, hummingbirds opt for a more secretive approach to nesting. Hummingbirds have some of … Read more
Have you ever been enjoying a beautiful day outside when suddenly a loud, buzzing chirp catches your attention? You look around, bewildered, only to spot a tiny hummingbird hovering nearby. These diminutive birds are well-known for their bright colors and impressive flying abilities, but their loud chirping vocalizations often surprise people. So why exactly do … Read more
As we all know, this country is a hummingbird haven, but there are specific states where you can find rare ones. According to the data reported on World Population Review1, these are the states you want to visit if you’re a hummingbird watcher, as they increase your chances of seeing a diverse array of these … Read more
Certain look-alike hummingbird pairs can be maddeningly difficult to distinguish, even for experienced birders. With over 300 hummingbird species in the world, some so alike that even DNA analysis is required to tell them apart1, accurate identification can be an epic test for birders. Luckily, researchers have been studying the field marks and behaviors that … Read more
