Attracting Hummingbirds: 15 Steps to a Hummingbird Haven

Are you looking for ways of attracting hummingbirds to your yard? Picture this: a burst of iridescent color, a delicate whirring sound, and the enchanting dance of hummingbirds flitting through your flower garden. Bringing these tiny marvels to your backyard is easier than you think. Discover 15 proven tips to transform your garden into a hummingbird haven, creating a magical outdoor experience you’ll cherish.

Ready to transform your backyard into a vibrant hummingbird sanctuary? This comprehensive guide reveals 15 natural and proven tips to attract these mesmerizing birds. We’ll delve into crafting the ideal feeder setup, selecting irresistible blooms, and creating a haven they’ll return to again and again. Prepare to be captivated by the dazzling dance of hummingbirds right outside your window!

Affiliate links are used for your convenience at no additional cost to you. It helps to support my blog so that I can bring you more free tutorials. Thank you! Read my full disclosure here.

15 Steps to a Hummingbird Haven

Like me, you could easily lose hours watching the enchanting dance of hummingbirds. That’s why I placed a bench amidst my flowers – a front-row seat to nature’s tiny marvels. Today, I’m sharing 15 proven tips to transform your garden into a tranquil hummingbird haven. Imagine the gentle flutter of wings, the vibrant flashes of color, and the serene peace they bring. It’s truly a magical experience.

Growing up on our 88-acre flower farm was like living in a pollinator paradise. We cultivated an incredible variety of blooms for my grandparents’ florist and local shops, which meant we were always surrounded by butterflies, bees, and of course, hummingbirds. I have vivid memories of rescuing those tiny birds from our greenhouses when they’d get trapped.

1. Add Plants

Some of the best plants that attracts Hummingbirds are:

• Bee Balm
• Bleeding Hearts
• Butterfly Bush
• Cardinal Flower
• Columbine
• Coral Bells
• Daylilies
• Fuchsia (annuals)
• Geraniums (red or hot pink – annuals)
• Hibiscus (annuals in some areas)
• Hosta – Hummingbird love the tubular purple blooms.
• Impatiens (annuals)
• Larkspur
• Lilacs
• Lupine
• Petunias (annuals)
• Rhododendron
• Salvia
• Sage
• Trumpet Vine
• Weigela
• Zinnias (annuals)

Add plants and flowers to the garden or around the house that blooms continuously. It ensures that there is an adequate food source in the spring, summer and into the early fall.

2. ADD A WATER SOURCE

Fountains can be especially attractive to Hummingbirds if there are spots that are shallow where the water runs over ledges, lips, and rims. It is a great place for Hummingbird to perch to wash. The stone type of fountains that have bubblers are great options to add to your garden. My fountain in the photo above has a bubbler on top also.

Most bird baths are too deep for Hummingbirds. However, if you have a birdbath that has a mister or bubbler it would work.

If found that adding a mister sprinkle to the yard, the Hummingbirds love to fly through it. It not only helps the flowers and water our grass, but the little birds also love it as well.

My water fountain above has two water sources. None of my photos had the top feature that bubbles. I have seen the Hummingbird go to both sources the top and the bottom dripper.

3. ADD FEEDERS

For optimal hygiene and hummingbird comfort, I highly recommend glass feeders in vibrant hues like red, orange, pink, or turquoise. Glass is significantly easier to clean than plastic, ensuring a healthier feeding environment. My personal favorites, which you’ll find listed below under ‘Feeders and Homes for Hummingbirds,’ feature convenient perches, allowing hummingbirds to rest and savor their nectar.

4. Keep Your Feeders Cleaned & Filled

It is very important to keep your feeders clean from mold building up and filled with fresh nectar. Nectar will spoil so it is important to empty, clean and refill. If your feeders are in full sunlight, you will need to clean and refill every three days. Any feeders that are in full shade, you should clean and refill every 5 days.

To clean your feeders, empty them and put them in the sink of hot soapy water. You need to rinse with water thoroughly before refilling. Cleaning them will prevent any harmful mold growth inside the feeder.

5. Do Not Use Red Dyes or Food Coloring

Red dyes and food coloring are very harmful to Hummingbirds. Do not purchase the store-bought nectar that contains dye. It is easy to make homemade nectar. See the recipe that I use Attract Hummingbirds Instantly: Easy DIY Hummingbird Nectar Recipe.

6. Feed Them Quality Nectar

Homemade hummingbird nectar is both easy to make and cost-effective, ensuring you know exactly what your hummingbirds are consuming.

I follow the recommendation from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. Two ingredients: refined white sugar and water. For the complete recipe read See the recipe that I use Attract Hummingbirds Instantly: Easy DIY Hummingbird Nectar Recipe. You can easily make your own homemade nectar inexpensively. Do NOT add red or any color food dyes to it.

Fill your Hummingbird feeder with sugar water and place outside. The extra nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Then you will need to make a new batch.

7. The Ideal Spot

Create a hummingbird feeding station by strategically placing feeders throughout your yard. Consider hanging them from your porch for close-up viewing, using shepherd’s hooks to accentuate garden focal points, or suspending them from sturdy tree branches to mimic natural feeding sites. Variety in placement will attract a wider range of hummingbirds and provide them with ample feeding opportunities.

8. Safe Spot

Prioritize hummingbird safety when placing your feeders. Position them high and out of reach of predators, such as cats, to prevent unwanted encounters. Additionally, maintain a safe distance from windows and doors to minimize the risk of collisions. Creating a secure feeding environment will encourage more frequent visits and allow you to fully enjoy the delightful presence of these tiny birds.

9. Attach Your Feeder To An Ant Moat

If you’ve ever struggled with ants invading your hummingbird feeders, you know the frustration. I found ant moats to be the perfect solution. As you can see in the photo, they create a water-filled barrier that ants can’t cross, protecting your nectar supply. For an all-in-one option, the 30 oz. Hand-Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder comes with an ant moat and is priced affordably. I have two and they work perfectly.

10. Use Bee Resistant Feeders

Most feeders these days are designed for bee resistance. The bee resists the feeding flowers and it will allow your Hummingbirds a great feeding experience.

11. Create Distance Between The Feeders

I used to cluster my feeders, but discovered that an aggressive hummingbird could dominate and prevent others from feeding. Now, I space them at least 15-20 feet apart. This creates more feeding space and reduces bullying, especially when dealing with territorial birds.

12. When To Place Feeders?

When should you place feeders? You will want to get your feeders out early at the beginning of the season. Before you think the Hummingbirds will show up. Sometimes, they will show up earlier than expected. It is best to be prepared. You don’t want them to find favor in your neighbor’s yard.

A rule of thumb that I have been using is I hang up my Hummingbird feeders when the Cherry Trees in our area begin to bloom. Not sure when to put your feeders out. I got you!

List By State For When To Put Out Feeders

Here is a list by state of when to put out the Hummingbird feeders. At least, it will give you a general idea for the state that you live in.

For Maryland it is saying late April but the Cherry Trees are starting to bloom. Therefore, my feeders are ready to be put out.

STATE	WHEN TO PUT HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER OUT	STATE	WHEN TO PUT HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER OUT
Alabama	Late April/Early May	Montana	Late April/Mid-May
Alaska	Late April/Early May	Nebraska	Mid-May
Arizona	Early-Mid April or Year-Round	Nevada	Early April or Year-Round
Arkansas	Late March/Early April	New Hampshire	Early May
California	Mid March/Early April or Year-Round	New Jersey	Late April/Early May
Colorado	Mid-April	New Mexico	Late March/Early April
Connecticut	Late April/Early May	New York	Late April/Early May
Delaware	Late March/Early April	North Carolina	Late March/Early April or Year-Round
Florida	Early-Mid March	North Dakota	Mid-May
Georgia	Late February/Early March	Ohio	Mid-Late April
Hawaii	No Hummingbirds/Banned By State Law	Oklahoma	Mid-April
Idaho	Early-Mid April	Oregon	Late February/Early March
Illinois	Late April/Early May	Pennsylvania	Early-Mid April
Indiana	Late April/Early May	Rhode Island	Late April/Early May
Iowa	Late April/Early May	South Carolina	Mid-March or Year-Round
Kansas	Mid-Late April	South Dakota	rare/Mid-May
Kentucky	Early-Mid April	Tennessee	Early-Mid April
Louisiana	Mid-March/Early April	Texas	Mid-March/Early April
Maine	Early May	Utah	Late April/Early May
Maryland	Late April/Early May	Vermont	Early May
Massachusetts	Late April/Early May	Virginia	Mid-April
Michigan	Mid-April/Early May	Washington	Late February/Early March
Minnesota	Early May	West Virginia	Mid-April
Mississippi	Mid-March/Early April	Wisconsin	Late April/Early May
Missouri	Early Mid-April	Wyoming	Mid-May

13. Hang Baskets of Tubular Flowers or Bright Color Flowers

Dangling baskets of vibrant fuchsia, geraniums in rich reds and pinks, or petunias with their deep purples and soft pinks are irresistible to hummingbirds. These cascading blooms not only add a splash of color to your porch but also act as a beacon, drawing in those delightful little birds for a sweet nectar feast.

14. ADD THE COLORS RED, Purple, Orange or Hot Pink

Hummingbirds are drawn to bright vivid colors of red, purple, orange, and hot pink. Even turquoise will have them eating from your feeder. You should incorporate these colors into your flower beds and hanging baskets. Bright colored yard flags could catch these little hummer attentions too. Just make sure you have lots of flowers that they love nearby or a shepherd hook with a feeder.

Large tubular plants such as Hibiscus, Daylilies or Lupines are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Tubular flowers hold the most nectar.

15. Create A Custom Perch For Your Hummingbirds

You can make an easy little perch or swing for Hummingbirds with basic materials found around the house. I made mine from a yard twig and some floral wire. It gives the little hummers a place to rest.

You can use a dowel and copper wiring to make it fancier. You can drill holes into the twig or dowel to add bright color beads or crystals to help attract the Hummingbirds. If you don’t want to make one, I have some cute options listed below.

For Your Hummingbirds

Feeders & Homes For The Little Hummers & Birds

Click on the photo to take you to the resource for purchases.

Perches & Swings For Hummingbirds

Fountains

You May Also Enjoy

These 15 tips have transformed my garden into a hummingbird haven over the years, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for yours. Thank you for joining me on this hummingbird journey! Now, I’d love to hear from you. What are your favorite tips for attracting these delightful birds? Or, if you have any questions, please share them in the comments below.

Hope you have a wonderful day, sweet friend!