A Home for Hummingbirds

One thing is for certain during this time of social distancing...nature never stops working.  

My husband and I love to start our day with a cup of coffee on our outside patio listening to the sounds of nature.  There's something so calming and peaceful hearing the birds sing, watching the squirrels chase each other in the trees, and listening to the sound of the ducks flying above.  It's such a great way to start your day and it makes us appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us even more.   

Growing up, my mom and dad always had bird feeders and water baths in our backyard.  My mom was the green thumb and always looked for plants and flowers that attracted nature - butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, etc.  She said "when you take care of them, they will take care of your garden".  She was right.  Her her garden was constantly thriving with big flowering blooms, hearty vegetables, and delicious fruits, nuts, and citrus.

If you're looking for ways to bring more nature into your yard or small outdoor patio space, I suggest you start with bird feeders.  It's a relatively easy and simple way to attract them to your space and will provide hours of enjoyment as they become acquainted with you and their food supply!  Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite hummingbird feeders and accessories.  Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures, darting around your yard looking for nectar sources and delighting children as the buzz by in close proximity.  Hummingbirds are vital to nature as they are considered great pollinators.  They can pollinate flowers that can't be reached by other birds because of their small size and long beak.  This helps them spread pollen very easily helping your garden thrive!

Hummingbird feeders come in all shapes, sizes and colors.  I've selected some of my favorites below.
    

You'll also need make or purchase nectar for your humming bird feeder.  It's really easy to make with this simple recipe:

There are a few options to choose from when purchasing nectar for your feeder based on quality, value, and convenience.  In terms of value, I purchase this 32 oz humming bird concentrate that you just measure and mix with water.  It's less expensive and makes up to 192 oz of nectar which will generally last you all spring and summer long!  If you prefer convenience, you can purchase ready made nectar.  I suggest getting the larger 64 oz size so it lasts a little longer.  It comes in clear or red color (here & here) depending on what option you like.  If you are looking for quality you may want to choose a humming bird concentrate that is naturally made from  the most desirable food sources that hummingbirds actively seek out in nature, chemical free, made with 100% pure cane sugar, and fortified with calcium and electrolytes to help aid healthy eggshell growth and prevention of dehydration.  Here are a few good ready to use all-natural options (here & here)

Once you've filled your feeders with sweet nectar, you'll need to find a place outside to hang it.  I choose a tree in our backyard that has perfect line of sight from our kitchen table window and patio. We purchased this 12 inch metal tree hook which makes it easier to hang over high branches.  If you don't have a tree to hang your feeder in, you can opt for a hook kit that can attach to fencing, railings, or directly to the exterior of your house.  You can also purchase shepherd hooks that can be staked directly in ground soil or in a potted plant.  Here are some options to consider based on your outdoor living space:

Now that you've hung your hummingbird feeder...sit back, relax, and watch your garden thrive!  It's so fun to see all the hummingbirds come visit us every day!  We know they are taking care of our garden and bring so much love and joy in the process!  I hope this post has provided you some inspiration to make your outdoor living space (big or small) a hummingbird home. 

xoxoxo,

Hayley