Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that many people enjoy watching and feeding. Their rapid wing beats, ability to hover and fly backwards, and bright iridescent colors make them a joy to observe. But is it possible to develop an actual friendship with these tiny birds? Here is an in-depth look at the possibilities and requirements for befriending hummingbirds.
Getting Hummingbirds to Trust You
The first step in building a bond with hummingbirds is gaining their trust. Hummingbirds are naturally wary of humans, so you’ll need to convince them you’re not a threat. Here are some tips:
- Set up a feeder in a quiet spot away from disturbance. Let the hummingbirds get used to feeding there without being startled by your presence.
- Sit or stand several feet away from the feeder when hummingbirds are around. Avoid making sudden movements.
- Start humming or whistling softly when the birds are feeding. This gets them accustomed to your voice.
- Slowly move a little closer to the feeder over time as the birds seem comfortable with you.
- Wear red, orange, pink or other colors that will attract the hummingbirds. They will associate those bright colors with the feeder.
With patience and consistency, hummingbirds will learn to see you as a non-threatening presence. Their comfort level around you is an important first step in forming a connection.
Feeding Hummingbirds from Your Hand
The ultimate sign of trust from a hummingbird is feeding from your hand. This takes time and persistence, but the reward is an incredible experience. Follow these steps:
- Continue feeding the hummingbirds from a feeder regularly until they are completely accustomed to you being nearby while they eat.
- Rest your hand with sugar water on your palm very near the feeder ports. Do this every time you put out the feeder so they get used to seeing your hand.
- Slowly move your hand closer to the feeding port over several days. The goal is to get the hummingbirds to feed with your hand right next to the port.
- Gently wiggle your finger with the sugar water in front of the port to entice the hummingbirds to try feeding there. Be patient, it may take some time.
- When a hummingbird starts feeding from your finger, you can gradually move it farther from the feeder until they will come straight to your hand for a treat.
Having a hummingbird feed directly from your hand is an unforgettable experience and shows an immense level of trust from the bird. Take things slowly and let the hummingbird set the pace to make this moment happen.
Recognizing Individual Hummingbirds
To truly befriend hummingbirds, it helps to be able to recognize individual birds. Here are some tips for identifying unique traits in your regular visitors:
- Look for bands or markings: Many hummingbirds have distinct bands of color or unique spots that can help distinguish them.
- Note size differences: There can be substantial size variation between males and females or young and mature hummingbirds.
- Observe behavior: Some hummingbirds may be territorial, timid or bold compared to others.
- Pay attention to sounds: Listen for variations in chirps that may indicate different birds.
- Spot preferences: Hummingbirds often favor particular feeding ports or perches, which can indicate an individual.
Giving each hummingbird a name and keeping notes on their traits will help strengthen your bond by recognizing them as individuals, not just a species.
Interacting with Your Hummingbird Friends
Here are some fun ways to interact with the hummingbirds you’ve befriended:
- Talk or sing to them while they are feeding. Your calm voice reassures them.
- Make a nectar treat by mixing fruit juice, honey or maple syrup with some water. Offer this special mix in your hand for their enjoyment.
- Provide a mister for them to fly through and bathe in on hot days.
- Plant a garden designed to attract hummingbirds with lots of red and tube-shaped flowers.
- Set out colorful ribbons, wind chimes or other objects for them to inspect and play with.
- Take photos and videos of your special hummingbird moments to document your friendships.
The more positive experiences you share with your hummingbird visitors, the deeper your bond will become over time. Get creative in making your yard an inviting place they love to visit.
Challenges in Befriending Hummingbirds
While it is possible to develop meaningful relationships with hummingbirds, there are also challenges to be aware of:
- Hummingbirds are naturally independent, territorial creatures, so they may resist true “friendship.”
- Their small size and rapid metabolism means they spend most of their time searching for food, not socializing.
- Hummingbirds are fragile and can easily become stressed if handled or interfered with too much.
- Their rapid flight patterns and speedy feeding habits make them a challenge to observe closely.
- Hummingbird friendships are temporary as the birds migrate and may not return to the same area each year.
Maintaining realistic expectations of the limitations and brevity of these relationships is important. The friendship will be on the hummingbird’s terms.
Signs of Progress in Hummingbird Friendship
How can you tell if your efforts to befriend hummingbirds are working? Here are some behaviors that suggest you’re making progress:
- Hummingbirds hover and watch you from nearby perches.
- They allow you to approach closer than in the past without flying away.
- Increased number of hummingbirds coming to your feeder or yard.
- Seeing the same individual birds return day after day.
- Hummingbirds feeding from your hand or coming when you call.
- Less aggressive behavior and squabbling between birds at your feeder.
- Unusual tameness, such as hummingbirds landing on you or perching very closely.
These cues indicate the hummingbirds see you as a trusted companion and look forward to your interactions. With time and patience, remarkable friendships are possible.
Conclusion
Befriending hummingbirds takes dedication but brings a magical experience. By providing a welcoming environment with regular feeding, fresh nectar, enticing perches and interaction, you can form incredible bonds with these energetic flyers. Pay close attention to each bird’s traits and behaviors to build personal relationships. The better you understand your hummingbird visitors as individuals, the deeper the friendship will become. With care and respect for their wild nature, you can create memories to cherish.
