Page 28 - Harnett Life Spring 2022

Simple Tips to Attract Hummingbirds

to Your Yard

(Family Features) Throughout the warmer months, many back- Be conscious of beneficial insects. Hummingbirds rely on in-
yards play host to a variety of birds, including hummingbirds. sects, which provide essential protein, to complement the nec-
When you see flowers and trees begin to bud and bloom and tar they crave. To attract insects, try placing rotting fruit near
other migrating birds, like warblers, that’s nature’s way of let- feeders and leave it until insects arrive for hummers’ easy eats.
ting you know it’s time to ready your yard for hummingbirds.
Leave spiderwebs alone: Hummingbirds use spiderwebs as
It’s enchanting watching hummingbirds – named for the hum- construction material to hold their nests together and pluck in-
ming sound of their fast-flapping wings – as their tiny size and sects caught in the webbing.
speed make them natural wonders. Hummingbirds can fly 25-
30 miles per hour, flapping their wings an estimated 70 times Offer a water mister: Hummingbirds adore bathing; a mister
per second. They fly in every direction, even backwards, which gives them the fine spray they prefer. Once soaked, they’re off
only hummers can do, and float majestically in midair. to find a preening perch.

The birds get their brilliant color from the iridescence in the Provide tiny perches. Leave small, sturdy, bare branches for
arrangement of their feathers, not color pigment. Plus, they hummingbirds, to perch on for rest, preening and hunting.
have the fastest metabolism of any animal on Earth, burning Perches provide vantage points to see danger and launching
1-2 times their body weight in food daily. Hummingbirds draw pads to swiftly pounce on insects. Once hummingbirds find a
nectar from its source into their mouths, lapping it up almost favorite perch, they’ll use it repeatedly.
12 times per second.
Hang hummingbird feeders first. Feeders are one of the most
To increase your chances of observing these petite powerhous- effective ways to consistently entice and encourage humming-
es at home, consider these tips from the experts at Cole’s Wild birds to come visit. However, not all feeders are created equal.
Bird Products:

Page 28 Harnett Life ~ Spring 2022