For others like myself who are planning a flower garden for spring to attract hummingbirds, I found a very helpful paper at my local co-op. There are many flowers, both annual and perennial, that will attract these little beauties, such as Columbine, Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Sage, Salvia (any variety), Comfrey, Foxglove, Red Hot Poker, Coral Bells, Dianthus, Nicotiana, Lupine, Petunias, Impatiens, Fuchsias, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Scarlet Runner Bean, and Trumpet Vine. For our other feathered friends, consider planting some low shrubs or trees which provide cover from predators and some grow berries that birds love. Ornamental grasses can provide nesting material as well as cover. Birds love a good dust bath, so create a small patch of dirt 2-3 feet square and 2-3 inches deep where theres lots of sun, preferably near the feeders. Birds dust bathe to rid themselves of parasites and to fluff their feathers to keep them in top condition. A water feature is also a must, for birds to drink, bathe, and keep cool in the summer months. Try to keep the water feature no deeper than 1-2 inches, but if its deeper than that, place some flat rocks at the bottom so birds feel safe. Moving water features will attract more birds, and you can buy an inexpensive gadget that will sit in a birdbath and gently agitate the water to attract visitors. Providing nesting materials in the spring will help all birds. Put out short pieces of string or yarn (less than 2), hair (animal or human), dog or cat fur, feathers, dry grass, pine needles, and bark strips. Many co-ops carry packaged nesting material that you can buy for the wild birds, but consider asking your local barber shop or pet grooming place for donations. To keep our lovely visitors safe from window strikes, consider buying either adhesive or static cling window decals that reflects the UV (ultraviolet) light. Humans cannot see UV light, but birds and other animals can, and it will help prevent bird strikes on windows and sliding glass doors. Many co-op stores carry these decals, as do mailing catalogs that specialize in accessories for birds. You can also Google companies that specialize in these type of products. I have some decals from windowalert, and this site also sells UV liquid, which is like window chalk that reflects UV light, so it can be used not only on windows and doors, but also on our cars windshields and windows to save avian lives. Years ago I found a dead Sharp-Shinned Hawk that had flown straight into a window of my parents station wagon while in pursuit of one of the many wild birds we feed. I love birds of prey as much as the song birds and hummingbirds, and I wish to protect them as well. If you want to attract Butterflies as well, the top 10 nectar plants (which Im sure will attract Hummers as well) are: Black-eyed Susan, Liatris, Butterfly Bush, Purple Coneflower, Lantana (Hummers love this!), Yarrow, Joe-Pye Weed, Aster, Butterfly Weed, and Coreopsis. Heres hoping this helps many others to experience the happiness, pleasure, and wonder of bird watching.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 07:53:39 +0000
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