If your backyard hummingbirds have not returned this year, there could be several reasons for their absence. Let’s explore some of the most common factors that may be keeping hummingbirds away and what you can do to attract them back to your yard.
Changes in Food Sources
Hummingbirds rely on nectar as their main food source. If the flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that usually produce nectar in your yard are not blooming well this year, the hummingbirds may have gone in search of other food sources. Here are some potential reasons for low nectar production:
Cold Temperatures
If spring temperatures have been colder than usual, this can delay blooming of flowering plants. Hummingbirds may have moved on before your yard burst into bloom. Make sure to have feeders up early in anticipation of early arrivals.
Dry Conditions
A lack of adequate rainfall can hinder nectar production. Supplement natural food sources with multiple feeders, changing nectar frequently. Concentrate feeders near any remaining flowers.
Pest Damage
If plants have insect damage, fungus, mold, or disease, they may not produce many flowers. Improve growing conditions for healthy plants next year.
Feeder Problems
Though a lack of natural food sources is the most common reason hummingbirds leave, you should also examine if there are any issues with your feeders that may be keeping birds away:
Dirty or Moldy Nectar
Stagnant sugar water can grow mold, bacteria, and fungi very quickly, especially in warm weather. This can sicken hummingbirds, so they may avoid feeders with spoiled nectar. Always start each season with clean feeders. Then change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather, or every 5-7 days in cooler temperatures.
Bees, Wasps, and Ants
Other insects swarming feeders can deter hummingbirds. Use ant moats or other deterrents, and move feeders away from insect nests. Avoid fragrance oils in nectar, as they can attract more insects.
Leaking or Malfunctioning Feeders
Hummingbirds may avoid feeders that leak, drip, have loose parts, or don’t work properly. Replace damaged feeders and use newer models designed to minimize leaks.
Increased Competition
An abundance of natural food sources may draw hummingbirds away from feeders. Or, more hummingbirds and other pollinators in the area can increase competition at feeders. To encourage hummingbirds to return, try these tips:
Use More Feeders
Put out several feeders spaced widely apart to reduce squabbling over nectar access. Use separate feeders for hummingbirds versus bees or butterflies to minimize territorial behavior.
Offer a Variety of Feeder Styles
Different styles attract different birds. Try dish feeders, glass bottle feeders, and feeders with various port shapes and heights. Monitor which get used most, and tailor offerings.
Provide Plenty of Nectar
Keep feeders freshly stocked with nectar at all times. Check often and refill when low to ensure ample food availability.
Natural Predators
Increased presence of predators in your yard may also cause hummingbirds to avoid the area:
Predator | Signs of Presence | Deterrent Strategies |
---|---|---|
Hawks | Feathers, bird parts on the ground. Hawk sightings. | Offer protected feeding areas, like around tree branches or under porches. Limit open spaces around feeders. |
Cats | Paw prints, cat sightings around feeders. | Mount feeders on tall poles away from hiding places. Use deterrent devices like plastic spikes or bird feeder collars. |
Squirrels | Chewed feeders, claw marks, licked nectar ports. | Use squirrel-proof feeders with weight adjustments. Close feeders when not in use. Apply hot pepper powder. |
Removing cover for predators, adding deterrents, and using feeders with protective design elements can help birds safely return.
Changing Migration Patterns
Shifts in seasons due to climate change may alter hummingbird movement and timing. Higher temperatures allow more species to overwinter rather than migrate. Those still migrating may arrive and leave at different times. To encourage hummingbird visits despite changes:
Extend Feeding Season
Put feeders up earlier in spring and leave them up later into fall. This provides needed fuel for early arrivals and late departing birds.
Note Arrival and Departure Dates
Keep records from year to year on first and last hummingbird sightings. Adjust feeding periods accordingly over time.
Provide Shelter and Nesting Materials
Add native plants that bloom early and late. Leave brush piles and nesting materials to support overwintering or breeding birds.
How to Attract Hummingbirds Back to Your Yard
To bring hummingbirds buzzing back into your yard after an absence, focus on providing enticing nectar, eliminating hazards, and adapting to new patterns:
Set Out Numerous Feeders
Start with at least 3-4 feeders in early spring. Gradually increase feeders to support more birds through summer and fall. Space feeders widely to reduce competition.
Vary Feeder Styles and Locations
Select different feeder models and placements to appeal to various hummingbird species and personalities. Monitor activity to see which work best.
Use Quality Nectar
Make fresh nectar weekly with just sugar and water. Never use food coloring, honey, or artificial sweeteners. Change nectar more frequently in hot weather.
Add Bright Colors and Flowers
Paint feeders red or other vivid hues. Plant plenty of nectar-rich, tubular flowers in red, orange, and pink like fuchsia.
Provide Water for Bathing
Hummingbirds bathe frequently. Add a mister, dripper, or small water garden for drinking and bathing. Move water sources away from feeders to avoid spreading diseases.
Deter Bees, Wasps, and Ants
Use ant moats, bee guards, and other deterrents to minimize pest issues. Don’t use fragrance, and keep area clean.
Protect from Predators
Mount feeders in open but guarded locations using hooks, poles, and guards to make access safe from predators. Limit hawk perches and hiding spots.
Remove Feeders by Early Fall
To avoid encouraging hummingbirds to linger too long, take down most feeders by early September. Leave just a few until the last stragglers leave your area.
Conclusion
Though disheartening, a lack of hummingbirds one season doesn’t necessarily mean your yard has lost its appeal. By troubleshooting potential causes, addressing problems, and providing better habitat, you can successfully invite hummingbirds to return again. With some tweaking to your feeding station setup, plant choices, timing, and approach, those tiny birds will once again bring their magical presence back to your yard.