Page 42 - Harnett Life Summer 2018

Do’s and don’ts of attracting

hummingbirds and getting one to

land on your hand

(BPT) - Watching a hummingbird is enchanting. Their tiny spaces.
size and incredible speed make them a natural wonder.
Flapping their wings an estimated 70 times per second, Although other hummingbird feeders tend to attract bees
they can move in every direction, or simply float majesti- and ants, the Cole’s feeder is uniquely designed to keep
cally in midair. pests at bay. It does not drip so large bees can’t get to the
sweet stuff. What’s more, the Cole’s feeder has a built-in
You may have observed hummingbirds in the wild, but ant moat. Keep it filled with plain water and ants won’t
you can increase your chances of seeing these delicate be able to reach the nectar.
dynamos at home. You can even get one to land on your
hand, with patience and persistence. However, before that As for food, you can use traditional sugar water to feed
can happen, you need to transform your backyard into a hummingbirds, but to mimic the nectar they eat in the
hummingbird haven. wild, you’ll want a liquid feed that replicates the natu-
ral sugars found in flowers. Then, you’ll be giving your
Smart strategies for feeding hummingbirds favorite avian visitors a true treat.

The National Audubon Society says to sustain their super- Do’s and don’ts of attracting hummingbirds
charged metabolisms, hummingbirds must eat once every
10 to 15 minutes and visit between 1,000 and 2,000 flow- It’s easy to make a few common mistakes when you start
ers per day. When you provide a safe, reliable food source, welcoming hummingbirds to your yard. Here’s a few
it’s like putting out a welcome mat for hummingbirds. tips:

Some flowering plants are particularly attractive to hum- * Be conscious of beneficial insects: Small insects are
mingbirds, such as trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm and an important part of a hummingbird’s diet, providing es-
sage. A hummingbird feeder is a must-have and one of the sential protein to complement the nectar they drink. Try
most effective ways to consistently entice and encourage using manual or natural insect control in the afternoon
hummingbirds to visit your yard. when insect populations decrease.

Keep in mind, not all feeders are created equal. The Cole’s * Do provide a water feature: Hummingbirds adore
Hummer High Rise Feeder is a smart choice. Scientifically bathing. If you add a drip fountain or mister to your yard,
designed with elevated perches, these feeders make hum- they’ll bask in the wet wonder.
mingbirds feel safe and comfortable, which encourages
them to consistently return. Hang in a tree, patio or garden * Don’t put anything but plain water into the ant moat:

Page 42 Harnett Life ~ Summer 2018