I’ve always been a backyard bird watcher. I started my backyard species count almost twenty years ago. But, I was more determined to attract the Ruby-throated Hummingbird to my yard than any other species! East of the Mississippi, this is the only hummingbird we will see. I was okay with that, I knew how much joy this one tiny, 3-1/2” bird would bring. So I proceeded to hang my sugar water feeder, & change the nectar religiously all season, year after year. I began planting appropriate plants that would attract the little sweethearts. I waited & waited, still nothing; but I was not discouraged. An avid reader of Birds & Blooms, I knew it would happen for me too. I know that gardeners & bird watchers both need a little faith, a little perspiration, & a little luck to get them through to the ‘joy of it all’.
So after about three years (yes, years) my first hummingbird arrived & they have been here ever since!!! I did what every birder does: screamed, jumped up & down, called everyone I knew (that would care) & prayed she would come back! The male has the beautiful iridescent red throat & green iridescent upperparts & belly. The female has green upperparts & whitish underparts. In my yard they are most active in the morning & dinnertime, early evening. That is when this video was filmed by my daughter. We were both standing inches from the feeder. They were so active that evening I knew it was time for her to get “up close & personal” with them. They are very territorial & feed one at a time here. In the video you can hear their soft, little squeeks.
All you need is a feeder & some sugar water. You can make your own by boiling water & mixing one part sugar to four parts water. Store what you don’t use in the fridge. No need to fill your feeder to the top at first. See how much they drink first. With the hot summer you need to clean & refill every few days. Hang your feeder at a window where you can really enjoy the antics! As for plants in your garden, I have had the most success attracting these gems with bee balm, coral bells, honeysuckle, trumpet vine & various other red flowers. They are attracted to the color red, but there is no need to color your sugar water. They will start to arrive around the end of April (zone 7) and hang until early September. Be patient, they will come!
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