How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Balcony or Yard

Hummingbirds are frequently seen in the United States from April to August.To attract them, consider cultivating vibrant red plants in your garden or on your balcony.When using hummingbird feeders, opt for sugar water rather than red dye to entice them.

Due to their petite stature and rapid motions, hummingbirds captivate the interest of numerous individuals. Despite being the tiniest among avian species, they hold a crucial ecological role by pollinating plants across North, South, and Central America.

Hummingbirds use their vision to guide them, causing them to be attracted to bright colors like red.

Detecting hummingbirds within the United States can prove challenging. According to ornithologist Dr. Charles Van Rees, hummingbirds are most commonly encountered in the Southwest, with their occurrence dwindling as you venture north or east of the Rocky Mountains. Nonetheless, luring these captivating creatures to your surroundings is achievable. Here's how.

A.When does the hummingbird show up？

In the United States, hummingbirds are only seen in summer.

Around 5% of the global hummingbird population primarily inhabits northern Mexico, with some of these species being present on the West Coast, encompassing Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

During late spring and summer, the remaining hummingbird population journeys north, presenting the best opportunity to observe them in the United States, as noted by Van Rees. Originating from Central and South America, these birds progressively migrate northward, extending to southern Canada.

East of the Rocky Mountains, hummingbirds emerge along the Gulf Coast in March, while they grace the Northeast with their presence until late April. Regrettably, they commence their southward migration as early as late July.

B.How to Attract Hummingbirds?

To attract hummingbirds to your yard or balcony, focus on pops of red.

Hummingbirds primarily consume nectar, a sugary substance produced by plants. Their sense of smell isn't well-developed, hence they rely on their keen eyesight to locate potential food sources, Van Rees explained. The key to luring hummingbirds is utilizing vivid colors and floral designs. Red proves particularly appealing to them, so incorporating red flowers, ribbons, bird feeders, and garden embellishments throughout your outdoor space is recommended. While not as potent as red, orange also attracts hummingbirds. 

Subsequently, a measure of patience is required. "News spreads rapidly once hummingbirds detect a feeder, but initially spotting it does take some time," Van Rees emphasized.

C.How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Feeder?

Placing a hummingbird feeder is among the simplest methods to attract these enchanting birds. Unlike conventional bird feeders, these cater to hummingbirds' long beaks, enabling them to consume sugary liquids.

Given their affinity for red and floral patterns, opt for feeders incorporating these aspects, particularly around the openings where the birds access the liquid, advises Van Rees. While red feeders are preferred, the content inside need not be red, he adds, as red dye can be detrimental to hummingbirds.

Instead, fill the feeder with a mixture of 1/4 cup of white sugar dissolved in a cup of water. Then, position it at an elevated and conspicuous spot, such as a bracket affixed to a railing. Choose an area with nearby perches, like tall shrubs or trees, where hummingbirds can take a break.

Useful Advice: For optimal results, replace the feeder's water on a weekly basis, or increase to twice if conditions are particularly warm. During the intervals between refills, utilize hot water or a vinegar-water mixture to cleanse the feeders, refraining from using soap to prevent any contamination of the hummingbird's nourishment.

D.How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard or Garden? 

Vibrant, vivid flowers and secure resting spots are appealing to hummingbirds, according to Van Rees. "Cultivating native wildflowers, especially those that are recognized as beneficial to hummingbirds, and establishing safe nesting areas like low shrubs and nearby trees, is an effective strategy for drawing them in," Van Rees suggests.

Flora with tubular red and orange blooms are especially successful in attracting hummingbirds. If you reside to the East of the Rockies, consider planting cardinal flowers, bee balm, hostas, catnip, or red hot pokers. In the Western regions, opt for penstemons, milkweeds, sage, California fuchsia, Manzanitas, flowering currants, and monkeyflowers.

Useful Advice: The optimal timing for planting these flowers can vary significantly by region. Therefore, it's advisable to consult a local nursery to receive recommendations tailored to your specific area.

E.How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Balcony?

As hummingbirds migrate through various landscapes, they traverse diverse environments, including urban areas like cities. This implies that you can entice them, even if you possess a bustling, elevated balcony in a metropolitan setting. The crucial aspect is to fashion your balcony into an inviting resting haven for these birds.

Employ the same strategy as you would for a yard, highlighting vibrant red hues that will capture the attention of passing hummingbirds. Employing feeders and planting flora can both contribute to attracting hummingbirds to your balcony, according to Van Rees. Additionally, providing perches or shrubs where the birds can securely perch is beneficial. You could also utilize fluttering pieces of red or orange ribbon, affixed to your balcony railing or suspended from the ceiling. This can function akin to a luminous roadside sign, promoting your balcony to hummingbirds in transit.

Useful Advice: While the desire to interact with hummingbirds may arise, it's important to remember that these creatures are wild and should not be handled. Instead, enjoy observing them from a distance. Gradually, you can approach them more closely to get a better view, as long as you remain calm and motionless.

F.Insider's Insight 

Hummingbirds are frequently observed in the United States from April to August. These tiny creatures rely on their keen eyesight to locate food sources, making vibrant flowers, floral designs, and vivid hues—particularly red—ideal for attracting them. Once you create a hummingbird-friendly environment, you may also find that other pollinators like bees and Sphinx moths are drawn to your yard.

Useful Advice: Bilantan offers two captivating hummingbird products. One is a versatile hummingbird feeder that can be both hung and suction-mounted. The other is the BirdHi Ultra , a smart bird feeder equipped with a intelligent camera and solar power.