How to Prepare Your Yard for Hummingbirds

How to Prepare Your Yard for Hummingbirds

Spring is here, which means it's time to welcome back one of nature’s most dazzling visitors—hummingbirds! These tiny, energetic birds begin arriving in early to mid-April, with males showing up first to establish territories. To make sure your yard is ready for their return, follow these essential steps:

 

 

1. Set Up Feeders Early

Hummingbirds migrate thousands of miles to return to their breeding grounds. Having your feeders up and ready before they arrive ensures they find a reliable food source right away.

When to Hang Feeders: Place feeders outside by early April to attract the first arrivals.
Where to Hang Feeders: Position feeders in open, visible spots, ideally where they can be seen from above. Good locations include near gardens, windows, or shaded tree branches.
Use Bright Colors: Hummingbirds are drawn to red, purple, and orange—choose feeders with these colors to catch their eye.

 

 

2. Make the Perfect Nectar

WBU offers Hummingbird Nectar Mix with Nectar Defender™ and Hummingbird & Oriole Nectar, making it easy to provide safe, long-lasting food for your backyard visitors.

Homemade Recipe:

  •    1 part pure cane sugar

  •    4 parts water

  •    Stir until fully dissolved (no need to boil).

What NOT to Use: Avoid brown sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, and food coloring, which can be harmful to hummingbirds.

How Often to Change Nectar: Replace every 3-4 days (more frequently in hot weather). Use Nectar Defender™ to extend freshness to 10-14 days.

 

 

3. Plant a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

Feeders are great, but nothing beats a natural food source! Create a hummingbird oasis with a garden full of native flowers rich in nectar.

Best Flowers to Plant:

  • Red Columbine

  • Bee Balm

  • Hummingbird Mint

  • Salvia

  • Penstemon

Avoid Pesticides: Chemical sprays can contaminate nectar and harm hummingbirds. Opt for organic gardening methods.

 

 

4. Provide Water & Shelter

Hummingbirds not only need food, but also water and safe resting spots.

Water Sources: Use a misting fountain, shallow birdbath, or dripper to provide a clean water source for drinking and bathing.
Perching & Nesting Areas: Keep natural elements like trees, shrubs, and vines to offer protection and nesting sites.

 

 

5. Reduce Feeder Fights

Bright Rufous Hummingbirds can be aggressive, especially in the fall. If you see territorial behavior:
Place multiple feeders out of sight of each other.
Keep feeders at least 20 feet apart to prevent conflicts.

 

 

6. Capture the Action with BirdReel

Want to experience hummingbirds like never before? The BirdReel Smart Hummingbird Feeder is now available at Wild Birds Unlimited! This innovative feeder comes with a built-in camera, allowing you to capture stunning close-up videos and images of hummingbirds visiting your yard.

Key Features:
HD camera for crystal-clear hummingbird footage.
Motion detection for real-time birdwatching.
Easy setup and mobile app integration.

Learn more & get yours today: BirdReel Smart Hummingbird Feeder

 

 

Get Ready for Hummingbird Season!

By preparing your yard now, you’ll be creating a safe and inviting space for hummingbirds all season long. Stop by Wild Birds Unlimited to find the best feeders, nectar, and accessories to make your backyard a hummingbird haven!

Happy birdwatching! 



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