Humming Blog |
Humming Blog |
![]() I always talk a lot about flowers and feeders to draw hummingbirds to our gardens, but there's other things you can add to make your garden even more enticing to hummingbirds. It's true that hummingbirds are attracted primarily by food, but once you have them using your place as a common residence, they'll start investigating all the features you provide. Hot weather oftentimes sends them in search of fountains and water features, and they experience temperatures just like we do, and are very uncomfortable in hot weather. Because of a hummingbird's size, they can make use of the smallest amount of water, and bathe in a cupped flower or leaf, or simply splay out their wings and catch the falling rain drops. But if you give them a perfect birdbath, it gives them options they can use throughout the dry conditions. The less options available to them within a particular region will make your water feature even more enticing. Birds need water, and if they have few options nearby, they will fly miles to find a water source. We came across this big steel drum. We couldn't let it go to waste so we used it to manufacture our own fountain/birdbath. Many birds use it throughout Spring and Summer, including the hummingbirds. There are literally hundreds of ways to make a hummingbird bath and hundreds of options out there to buy, but I believe there are few common criteria to make it ideal. First of all, misting, sprinkling or gently running water draws their attention. Secondly, make sure they are able to perch in various locations without a fast current, and thirdly, make sure those areas where they can perch are no more than about 1/4 inch deep. They will commonly skim across the surface of the water trying to feel the bottom. Once they gauge the depth, they will eventually settle and bathe. One thing I've done to further entice them is to place large red jewels in various locations throughout the birdbath. They reflect light from just about every direction and we'll get the attention of any hummingbird. You can find these red jewels at Dollarama. There's about 25 or more in a package. Whatever you do to attract hummingbirds to your garden, I believe a water feature is essential. Not only does it attract hummingbirds, but other birds as well. Another item I've added to my fountain is a shepherd's hook with a perch on it(not displayed). The perch sits about 12 inches above the water. You can get so creative in developing a hummingbird bath, and trust me, when you finally see them using your creation, you will be over the moon excited!
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