Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to observe in nature. Their rapid wing beats, their ability to hover and fly backwards, and their beautiful iridescent colors make them a joy to watch. While seeing these tiny birds in the wild is a treat, encouraging hummingbirds to visit your own yard can provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment. There are many benefits to transforming your outdoor space into a hummingbird haven.
1. Enjoy their beauty up close
One of the best parts of having hummingbirds frequent your yard is the ability to admire their gorgeous colors and intricate details up close. Male hummingbirds in particular have vibrant plumage in shimmering shades like emerald, ruby, sapphire, and amethyst. Depending on the viewing angle and light conditions, the colors seem to change dramatically as the birds move around. Females and juvenile hummingbirds are less brightly colored but equally as fascinating to observe. Their intricate patterns and surprisingly fuzzy appearance add to their inherent charm.
By planting the flowers, trees, and shrubs that attract hummingbirds to your yard, you’ll have front row seats to view these flying jewels right outside your window. No need to hike through the forest or travel to a nature preserve. The magic of hummingbirds will come right to you when you provide a welcoming habitat.
2. Hear their melodic sounds
In addition to their visual appeal, hummingbirds create charming vocalizations. Their rapidly beating wings produce an energetic buzzing that changes pitch as the birds dive and climb through the air. The most recognizable sound is the males’ song, used to declare territory and court females. Each species has a distinct melody – the call of an Anna’s hummingbird is a brisk series of chirps, while Allen’s and rufous hummingbirds produce a more musical trill.
By landscaping for hummingbirds, you’ll get to overhear these high-frequency vocalizations as the birds interact in your garden. The sounds add an element of nature’s music to your yard. You can identify species by song and get clues to hummingbird behaviors based on their vocalizations. The joyful chatter creates the perfect accompaniment to your time spent outdoors.
3. Observe their behaviors up close
In addition to beauty and song, hummingbirds provide plenty of interesting behaviors to observe. Watching them move through the air, hover at blossoms, perch, preen, chase each other, and interact at feeders gives you insight into their daily activities. Some behaviors you may witness in your yard include:
- Aerial dogfights and chasing
- Courting rituals like dive displays
- Feeding on blossoms and sap
- Bathing and preening in water sources
- Interactions at feeders as birds compete for prime spots
- Resting and sunning on protected perches
By attracting hummingbirds close to home, you have a front row seat to view these intriguing behaviors. Photographing and filming the action allows you to re-live the moments later. You’ll come to know individual personalities as you observe hummingbirds going about their daily business in your yard.
4. Enjoy a feeling of tranquility
Watching hummingbirds can create a powerful sense of peace and relaxation for many people. Focusing on their graceful movements, soothing sounds, and energetic antics takes our minds off stress and anxiety. These tiny birds evoke a sense of wonder and joy. Their agile flying skills demonstrate aerial mastery, and their curious nature gives them an air of playfulness. Many people find observing hummingbirds lifts their spirits and provides a feeling of tranquility. Creating an environment to attract hummingbirds brings this source of serenity right to your living space.
5. Get mental stimulation
In addition to emotional benefits, observing hummingbirds can provide mental stimulation as well. Identifying different species by sight and sound takes concentration. Figuring out how to best position feeders, select plants, and provide water to appeal to hummingbirds exercises problem-solving skills. Discovering each bird’s personality quirks and tracking their interactions engages memory and cognitive functions. Photography and filming hummingbirds in action hones patience and focus. Even just sitting and closely watching their behaviors can help develop powers of observation and presence.
6. Enjoy colorful, fragrant blooms
Part of attracting hummingbirds to your yard is filling the space with nectar-rich flowers they will visit. This means surrounding yourself with beautiful blossoms and fragrant plants. Flowering varieties that appeal to hummingbirds also create a stunning display for you to enjoy. Depending on your location and climate, some top options include:
- Fuchsias
- Petunias
- Columbines
- Impatiens
- Begonias
- Coral Bells
- Lilies
- Penstemons
- Sages
- Salvias
In addition to pretty flowers, hummingbird-friendly yards often contain fragrant herbs and trees like citrus, juniper, and eucalyptus. You’ll reap visual and aromatic rewards by landscaping for hummingbirds.
7. Attract other pollinators
Filling your yard with hummingbird favorites means you’ll draw in other important pollinators too. Bees, butterflies, bats, and beneficial insects are also attracted to the bright, aromatic blossoms hummingbirds love. By welcoming hummingbirds, you create an oasis for non-hummingbird species as well. Watching the space come alive with a greater abundance and diversity of pollinators adds rewards beyond just the hummingbirds themselves.
8. Do your part for conservation
Providing habitat for hummingbirds allows you to contribute to conservation. Hummingbird populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and other environmental issues. Supporting these specialized nectar feeders in your own yard helps counteract these larger threats. You’ll not only benefit from proximity to hummingbirds, but have the satisfaction of knowing your efforts make a difference.
9. Share the joy with others
One of the most rewarding aspects of attracting hummingbirds is having these special visitors to share. The excitement hummingbirds generate isn’t limited to individual property owners. Neighbors, friends, family, and even mail delivery workers tend to be enthralled when hummingbirds frequent a garden. You can anticipate lots of delighted comments and observers if your yard becomes a neighborhood hummingbird hotspot. Kids in particular will be fascinated with the easily observable birds.
10. Easy to accomplish
While cultivating a full ecosystem to support all hummingbird needs takes knowledge and effort, even small steps can yield results. Providing a nectar feeder, adding a few red flowers, and including a water mister can get you started. Hummingbirds are drawn to sweet nectar and water sources, so you may find success with minimal effort. Building on the basics over time allows you to expand your hummingbird haven as desired.
11. Low maintenance once established
A common concern about attracting wildlife is that it will require extensive upkeep to sustain. However, once you have the habitat elements hummingbirds rely on in place, very little daily maintenance is required on your part. Nectar feeders need refilled every 2-3 days, flower gardens may need occasional watering, and water features will need topped up. But hummingbirds are adapted to find food and water sources on their own from flowers and insects. Your role is simply facilitating and supplementing, not providing their complete sustenance. Aside from enjoyment of watching them, hummingbirds don’t add much burden to your schedule.
12. Achievable anywhere
You don’t need expansive acreage or perfect conditions to attract hummingbirds. Even small balconies, patios, and yards can be welcoming oases. Hummingbirds readily adapt to urban and suburban environments. As migratory birds, they are hardwired to seek out plentiful food sources in multiple habitat types. By providing nectar flowers and feeders, you can attract hummingbirds even in limited space. The key elements are food, water, shelter, and nest locations, which can be incorporated into small areas.
Conclusion
With a few simple enhancements, you can convert your ordinary yard into a hummingbird paradise. The presence of these captivating birds provides natural beauty, tranquility, joy, and mental stimulation. Attracting hummingbirds allows you to engage with conservation, pollinator support, and neighborhood wildlife enjoyment. Once hummingbirds discover your space, they will return year after year. Investing some time into hummingbird-friendly landscaping and supplies can yield decades of rewards.
