How to Attract Hummingbirds: No, you don't hide behind a bush and hum. Instead, get plants that they like.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

No, you don't hide behind a bush and hum. Instead, get plants that they like.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/hummingbird-mint-plant/?_cmp=diytipshintsnl&_ebid=diytipshintsnl5232023&_mid=605704&ehid=73A5119F6D6B55A335D41D8BD7D8D335A74FB2CE&_PermHash=bd21b40cef185e699339cb565fc5ad1ad6a80355db458b2059b848bd83716669&tohMagStatus=NONE

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

jerryc41 wrote:

No, you don't hide behind a bush and hum. Instead, get plants that they like.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/hummingbird-mint-plant/?_cmp=diytipshintsnl&_ebid=diytipshintsnl5232023&_mid=605704&ehid=73A5119F6D6B55A335D41D8BD7D8D335A74FB2CE&_PermHash=bd21b40cef185e699339cb565fc5ad1ad6a80355db458b2059b848bd83716669&tohMagStatus=NONE

Easier to let them pig out on feeders! The come back every spring and stay until multiple frosts at my house. I do not buy anything special, but make up the 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. NO COLORING! Figuring how much to put out so it doesn't go rancid takes practice and a thorough cleaning when re-filled is a must.

I have been using the easy to clean expensive $4 to $5 Walmart stock for several years.

goofybruce

DaveO wrote:

Easier to let them pig out on feeders! The come back every spring and stay until multiple frosts at my house. I do not buy anything special, but make up the 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. NO COLORING! Figuring how much to put out so it doesn't go rancid takes practice and a thorough cleaning when re-filled is a must.

I have been using the easy to clean expensive $4 to $5 Walmart stock for several years.

Just my opinion, but: Doesn't a picture of a hummingbird sipping from a real flower beat out a picture of one billing-up to an obvious feeder? I have feeders, but also plant some natural flowers/vines that they like as well. Had not heard of the plants mentioned by Jerry. Hope neighborhood nursery might have some.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

goofybruce wrote:

Just my opinion, but: Doesn't a picture of a hummingbird sipping from a real flower beat out a picture of one billing-up to an obvious feeder? I have feeders, but also plant some natural flowers/vines that they like as well. Had not heard of the plants mentioned by Jerry. Hope neighborhood nursery might have some.

You're absolutely correct, but the article was about attracting hummers and not photographing them. The battles and shenanigans that are available around feeders are quite entertaining as well as challenging. Other flowers in my yard such as butterfly bushes and red salvia provide more picturesque opportunities, but the feeders are the big draw.