Hummingbird Newsletter

       



Hummingbirds – More than Interesting Wildlife

Hummingbirds in the landscape are fun, entertaining, and beneficial. They eat insect pests. They also help pollinate flowers.

The most popular way to attract them is with hummingbird feeders. There are many different kinds, both functional and decorative, and all work to some degree. Red food coloring is not necessary because the feeders are usually colorful enough. The best nectar to use is made with 1 part sugar and 4 parts water. Boiling the nectar solution cuts down on harmful pathogens. Keep the feeders very clean and change the nectar every few days. Putting out multiple feeders will allow more hummers to visit your garden as some birds are very territorial and will not allow others to drink at their feeder.

Nectar is only a part of the hummingbird diet. A very large and important part of their diet consists of insects that provide the protein necessary for their good health as well as that of their young. They are so fast that they can capture insects in mid-air, but they also find insects in flowers.

Planting lots of flowering plants is the other important thing to do. Some flowers provide nectar, others may harbor insects, and brightly colored flowers simply pique their curiosity. To attract hummingbirds, here are some of the best planting choices: Salvia Spires, anisacanthus, abutilon, Mexican honeysuckle, queen’s crown, turk’s cap, cupheas, coneflowers, buddleias, bougainvilleas, hibiscus, zinnias, impatiens, petunias, lantana, and most any other colorful flower.

Click on this link for a more comprehensive list of helpful plants: Hummingbird Attracting Plants

Naturally yours,

Howard Garrett

 Forward this newsletter to family and friends and ask them to
Sign Up for Howard Garrett's Newsletter. 

Dirt Doctor, Inc.  P.O. Box 140650  Dallas, TX  75214
Copyright(c) 2022

If you no longer wish to receive Howard Garrett's Weekly Newsletter, 
click reply and put Unsubscribe in the subject line.

Updated June 2022

  Search Library Topics      Search Newspaper Columns