Food For Hummingbirds
It is best to check with local nurseries in your area to determine which plants are best for the area in which you live. These flowers will generally not be scented, which poses no problems for hummingbirds since they have no sense of smell. Sweet nectar is the feature that will attract hummingbirds. They will also be lovely additions to your garden with their bright reds, purples, oranges and pinks.
The birds probe into the center of the flower to locate the nectar. At the same time, they unknowingly collect pollen which they transfer from flower to flower, assisting in the process of reproduction of many species. It is crucial that no insecticides or pesticides be used in the garden. Your garden should naturally contain certain insects that will serve as hummingbird food; food that they need for protein. Another consideration is that, when pesticides are used in the garden, it is entirely possible that the hummingbird itself may ingest the poison; becoming ill or possibly dying because of it.
Hummingbirds will need a place to rest as well as to feed. They spend about 80% of their time resting on twigs, clotheslines, fences and such when they are not eating. Placing lattice fencing upon which trumpet creepers, morning glories or similar plants can creep offer both feeding and resting opportunities for the birds.
Many people who offer feeders or plant specific gardens wonder how the hummingbirds will know the food is available. Some hummingbirds have developed a plan in which they ensure they always have a food supply; a plan called traplining. It is a method used of securing food by selecting a few specific flowers which they continually visit, sometimes spread out over great distances. The types of birds that use this method of finding hummingbird food generally have longer wings to help them fly more efficiently. Another method of finding food is peripheral foraging, which involves protected territories adopted by the hummingbirds. First thing in the morning, the hummers will fly out to the border of their territory and feed upon the flowers found in that area. By doing so, any other hummers that may breach the territory boundary will find unappetizing flowers with little or no nectar, and continue on their search for nurturing nectar.
Even in protected territories, hummingbirds contend for their food sources. They are fierce fighters when defending their territories, using claws and bills to fight off competitors of other hummingbirds. Rarely do they fight other species of birds, although they have been known to attack larger birds probably to protect their mate and nestlings.
Most hummingbirds are migratory. Often, people believe that if they do not take their hummingbird feeders down, the birds will fail to migrate and freeze to death. This is not true. When the temperatures begin to cool and daylight hours dwindle, hormones stimulate the hummingbirds to leave the area. Those who live in the southeastern states will likely see the birds at their feeders later in the year. The birds migrate to seek other sources of hummingbird food, and will look in alternate places from where they normally migrate if the food source is depleted due to dry conditions. At times, instead of venturing into Mexico, the birds will travel down the east coast and into the southern states and remain. For these, it is helpful for hummingbird fans to continue filling their feeders and maintaining their gardens as long as possible. Remember that should a hummingbird decide to stay for the winter they will need to have a source of food to survive. Indeed, in some areas hummingbirds do not migrate at all, but stay in the same location for the entire year.
Hummingbirds truly are fascinating creatures. Those individuals who decide to commit to attracting the birds to their yards will not only be adding great interest and beauty to their own landscapes but also providing a valuable service to those beautiful, energetic little hummers.