A sure sign that summer is just around the corner is the return of the hummingbirds. They arrived at our house a few days ago and we have put out the hummingbird feeders!

Feeding the hummingbirds is a favourite pastime for many local gardeners. Not only are hummingbirds fun to watch, but they are also beneficial as they help with pollinating in their search for food.

Attracting hummingbirds to the landscape is done by giving them food, water, shelter, and nesting and perching spots. Although small in size, weighing less than an ounce, hummingbirds have a huge appetite. They can eat at least half of their body weight daily, and so they spend a lot of time looking for nectar which comes from flowers and tree sap. This time of year there is not a lot of flowers so their food sources are limited. Putting out hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water is an easy way to attract the hummingbirds to your yard.

Hummingbird nectar can be purchased, or be made at home. To make your own nectar, boil one part sugar to 4 parts water. Allow it to cool before putting it into the feeders. Only put enough nectar in the feeder so that it is consumed within 2-3 days, as you don't want the nectar to sit in the sun for any length of time.

Store any unused nectar in the fridge. There are different styles and types of hummingbird feeders available. You can choose from the basic red plastic feeder, or go for the decorative hand painted glass types.

Hummingbirds are attracted by the colour red, which is why most of the hummingbird feeders are red in colour. When purchasing a hummingbird feeder, look for one that is easy to care for. You want to be able to easily take it apart and clean it thoroughly.

Feeders should be cleaned at least every month. Use a bottle brush to get inside the bottle and remove any mould (black spots). When cleaning the feeders use a mild bleach solution. Also look for feeders that do not drip, as this will attract bees, wasps and ants. There are some feeders available that have bee guards.

When putting out the hummingbird feeders, place several out. Hummingbirds are territorial and can be quite aggressive. The male hummingbirds migrate 3 weeks earlier than the females. The males come first and stake out their territory and then attract the females.

By placing several feeders out you will attract more hummingbirds.

When placing the hummingbird feeders, put them near an area where the hummingbirds can perch.  A tree or shrub with small branches and twigs, or a clothes line work well. They also enjoy moving water. We have a water fountain at home that the hummingbirds enjoy playing in.

Planting flowers and shrubs in the landscape that hummingbirds like will also attract hummingbirds. Choose different varieties with different bloom times, and also choose different plants with different sizes and heights. We have summer flowering hanging baskets that are near the feeders that the hummingbirds enjoy.

Hummingbirds have very little sense of smell and are attracted by bright colours including the colour red, so grow plants that are red or have a red eye. They also enjoy flowers that are high in nectar or have a tubular shape. Some favourites are Blazing Star, Beebalm, Bleeding Heart, Day Lily, Canna, Columbine, Four O Clock, Foxglove, Fuchsia, Hollyhock, Honeysuckle, lantana, Lupins, Petunia, Salvia, Verbena, Weigla, etc.

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, put the feeders out now and you will find that the hummingbirds will slowly come!

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 west at  Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road.