Hummingbirds are amazingly unique creatures. They are the smallest bird in the world, yet have incredibly fast metabolism and wings that can beat up to 80 times per second! Hummingbirds survive primarily on nectar from flowers and the visions of sugar water feeders that caring people provide. Providing food and water for hummingbirds requires using the right techniques to keep them nourished, hydrated and visiting your yard. This article will explore the best methods for giving hummingbirds water so you can attract these special birds.
Why Do Hummingbirds Need Our Help?
Hummingbirds have survived for thousands of years without the help of humans by feeding on flower nectar and small insects. However, due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, many of the flowers and food sources hummingbirds rely on are disappearing. This is why providing supplementary nectar sources by putting out feeders or planting specific flowers has become an increasingly important way to support hummingbird populations.
Additionally, hummingbirds have such rapid metabolisms that they can become dehydrated quickly, especially on hot summer days. They visit up to 1,000 flowers per day and get most of their water intake from the nectar inside. Providing clean, fresh water in hummingbird feeders and bird baths can serve as critical hydration stations for these thirsty birds. Attracting hummingbirds to your yard with supplemental food and water helps provide the fuel they need while also allowing you to observe their beauty and amazing speed up close.
What is the Best Way to Give Hummingbirds Water?
When trying to attract hummingbirds and keep them hydrated, you have two main options – using feeders filled with nectar or providing water features like bird baths, misters, and drippers. There are pros and cons to each method.
Nectar Feeders
Nectar feeders allow you to replicate the natural food source hummingbirds rely on – flower nectar. This strategy directly provides the birds with hydration and nutrition in one solution. Follow these tips for using feeders effectively:
– Use a feeder made specifically for hummingbirds. Choose a style that won’t allow bees or other insects access to the nectar.
– Fill with a homemade 4:1 sugar water solution – 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, or brown sugar.
– Clean feeders thoroughly at least once a week with hot water and vinegar to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
– Place feeders in shaded spots and out of reach of predators. Avoid putting too close to windows as reflections can confuse and injure hummingbirds.
– Use red components on feeders to attract the birds since they are drawn to that color.
– Consider putting out multiple feeders spaced adequately apart to minimize aggressive behavior between hummingbirds.
The main advantages of nectar feeders are providing nutrition, customized hydration, ease of use, and directly observing hummingbird behavior and species. The drawbacks are the weekly cleaning required and potential to attract bees or wasps.
Water Features
Another way to keep hummingbirds hydrated is by providing fresh water sources. Some options are:
– Bird Baths – These shallow basins allow hummingbirds to fly in and take quick sips of water. Keep water clean and at an appropriate 2-3 inch depth. Add rocks for perches.
– Misters – Misting systems or handheld misting bottles can mimic rain showers. The droplets attract hummingbirds to fly through and get hydration by licking each one.
– Drippers – These devices have tiny spigots that drip or spray a small amount of water. The movement and sound attracts hummingbirds to come sip.
Tips for effectively using water features:
– Place very close to natural perches like trees or shrubs so the birds have a launching point.
– Move frequently to avoid accumulation of dirt, bacteria, or mosquitoes. Dump all water out daily if possible.
– Use a recirculating pump if feasible to keep water moving and fresh.
– Clean every element thoroughly on a regular basis.
– Consider using a heating element to prevent water from freezing in winter.
The benefits of water features are less cleaning and lower cost than feeders. The downsides are providing only hydration, the birds cannot be directly sustained, and the water can become dirty or stagnant quickly.
Best Practices No Matter the Method
To maximize success in attracting hummingbirds and meeting their needs, incorporate these best practices whether you use feeders, water features or both:
– Provide multiple food and water sources throughout your yard to accommodate all the hungry hummers. They are territorial around feeders so the more options the better.
– Use red components whenever possible. Hummingbirds see the color red better than any other. Red flowers, feeders, accessories will help draw them in.
– Site feeders and water in open areas with some sun exposure. Hummingbirds prefer flying around vegetation rather than dense shade.
– Supplement with plenty of nectar-producing flowers and blooming plants. Native varieties like fuchsia, trumpet creeper, lupine and columbine work well.
– Start early in the season and keep feeders/water filled consistently. Hummingbirds learn patterns and will return to rely on your yard for sustenance.
– Avoid using pesticides and herbicides. Hummingbirds are highly sensitive to chemicals. Maintain gardens as organically as possible.
– Provide small perches like branches or blocks near food and water. Gives hummingbirds a spot to conveniently rest.
– Do not add red dye or coloring to water. Can be harmful to the birds’ health over time.
– Clean all feeders and water features at least once a week, more often in hot weather. Dirty nectar or water can make birds sick.
FAQs
Many people new to hummingbird care have similar questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
What ratio of sugar to water is best in feeders?
Use a 4:1 ratio for nectar – 4 parts water to 1 part regular white sugar. Never use honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners or food coloring.
Should I use feeders or water features?
For best results, provide both nectar feeders and fresh water sources in your yard to give hummingbirds complete hydration and nutrition options.
How often should hummingbird feeders and water be changed?
To prevent mold, bacteria or fungal growth, nectar and water should be changed completely at least once a week. In hot climates, every 2-3 days is better.
What plants attract hummingbirds?
Some top flowering plants to attract hummingbirds are: fuchsia, petunia, bee balm, trumpet vine, lupine, columbine, impatiens, gladiolus and cardinal flower. Choose native varieties whenever possible.
When should I put out hummingbird feeders and water?
Put out nectar feeders and water features in early spring about 2-3 weeks before hummingbirds typically arrive in your region. Maintain consistently through fall migration season.
Should I use red dye in my hummingbird water features?
No, do not add red dye as it can be unhealthy for hummingbirds over time if ingested frequently. Use red components on feeders/baths instead to attract them.
How can I keep ants and bees out of my hummingbird feeders?
Use feeder styles with built-in ant moats/bee guards. Coat hangers with cooking oil or petroleum jelly. Move feeders regularly to disrupt ant scent trails.
Conclusion
Caring for the hummingbird population by providing supplemental food and water is important for supporting these unique pollinators. Follow the guidance in this article to set up effective feeders and water features that will attract hummingbirds to your yard. Be sure to properly maintain and clean all components regularly to keep the tiny birds healthy and hydrated. With a little effort, you can create an ideal haven with everything hummingbirds need to thrive. Enjoy watching these energetic, hovering birds buzz around flowers and feeders as an exciting and beautiful addition to your garden.
