Hungry, Hungry Hummingbirds

10 feeding tricks to keep your backyard buzzing with nectar-loving birds.

- Ken Keffer

In many ways, a hummingbird is the Goldilocks of the bird world. Pleasing one or more of these finicky fliers take a fair bit of know-how, but when everything is just right, they make themselves at home in your neighborhood. From the ruby-throated in the East to the many species found in the West, hosting these beauties is well worth the effort.

RED-EYE FLIGHTS

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, especially red. The eyes of hummers have high concentrations of cones that heighten their ability to see reds and yellows while dulling shades of blue. Curiously, while red is a clue for them to find food, that alone won’t keep the birds coming back for more. When researchers altered the nectar levels in flowers, hummingbirds quickly keyed in on the blooms that offered elevated levels of nutrients, even if they weren’t red.

NO. 1 FOOD

Premade concentrate is available in stores, but there is no need for red dye. Clear nectar is best. It is also easy to make your own hummingbird cocktails. Stick to water and white table sugar in a 4 to 1 ratio—the sweeteners spoil quickly. Heating the water helps dissolve the sugar. Be sure to cool it down so it’s not too hot or cold, but just right.

REFRESH EARLY AND OFTEN