Transylvania County Extension Master Gardener Karen Szafran
With the approach of spring it is time to prepare for the arrival of the migrating hummingbirds to Western NC. There are sixteen hummingbird species found in the United States but the ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species that breeds in North Carolina. Each fall they migrate south from the eastern United States and fly nonstop 600 miles across the Gulf of Mexico to Mexico and Central America to overwinter. They return in the spring and move northward, following the blooming of early-season flowering plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and columbine. Most hummingbirds leave North Carolina by mid-October and return again in late March.
Hummingbirds are specially adapted for obtaining nectar from flowers. They have long beaks and long tongues for consuming the nectar, and their hovering ability and maneuverability makes it easy for them to feed from flowers. Hummingbirds get nectar from plants and plants in return get pollinated by them. Hummingbirds help pollinate more than 160 native North American plants and are easily attracted to a backyard with a diversity of native plants. Some plants have evolved so that hummingbirds are their main pollinators. Such plants tend to have petals joined into long tubes with long stamens. Hummingbirds lack a well-developed sense of smell and are drawn to flowers by their color instead of scent.
Preferred hummingbird flowers are red, orange, and pink but the birds will eat nectar from flowers of most colors. At least 19 species of native plants in the eastern US are pollinated primarily by hummingbirds. These include trumpet vine, cardinal flower, fly honeysuckle, trumpet honeysuckle, fire pink, columbine, and wild bergamot. To attract hummingbirds, group similar plants together and choose species with different blooming periods so there will be a steady supply of flowers through the warmer months. A list of favorite hummingbird wildflowers, shrubs, and vines can be found in the NC State Extension Publication Managing Backyards and Other Urban Habitats for Birds (content.ces.ncsu.edu).
Hummingbird feeders are good artificial sources of nectar for these birds. There are many different styles of feeders commercially available, but any feeder with fresh syrup can attract hummers. The most important design feature to consider is the ease of disassembly and cleaning. You might as well buy one that’s easy for you to keep up — if its easy you are more likely to maintain it regularly, and that is important. Hummingbird “nectar” is made by mixing one part ordinary white cane sugar to four parts hot water. Stir the solution and let it cool to room temperature before pouring into the feeder. Extra nectar may be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Never make the solution from honey, because fermented honey can cause a fatal fungal disease in hummingbirds. It is not necessary to add red dye to the solution since the birds will be attracted to the red color of the feeder. Commercial “nectar” mixes are available but are no better than those you make yourself. Replace the sugar solution every three to five days and clean the feeder before adding a new supply. Every filling, flush the feeder with hot water. Visually inspect the entire feeder for signs of black mold. Soaking the feeder in a mild bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water) is the best way to remove mold. Vinegar may also be used to clean feeders. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly. Discard any unconsumed sugar water. If the birds are not emptying your feeder between cleanings, it is unnecessary and wasteful to fill it completely.
Place feeders close to plantings of hummingbird preferred flowers. It is best to place your feeder in the shade because the nectar will remain fresher longer. If you are willing to change it more often it is fine to hang it in the sun. Hummingbirds are very aggressive at feeders. If a number of birds are fighting over one feeder, set up an additional feeder away from the first one. Try to hang your feeder new a window so you can enjoy watching these amazing creatures.
For more information on nurturing pollinators in your garden contact the Transylvania County Cooperative Extension at (828) 884-3109 or visit in person at 106 E. Morgan St. in Brevard.
