How To Attract Hummingbirds Into Your Yard This Summer

Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating winged creatures on the planet. They are small, colorful, have wings that move so quickly they can fly backward, and they look more like a blur than a pair of feathered wings. These hovering creatures are amazing to watch but are known to be elusive. The good news is if you live in an area with hummingbirds, you might be able to make some changes to your yard and attract these birds.

To attract hummingbirds into your yard, add a hummingbird feeder with fresh nectar. Plant nectar-producing flowers that hummingbirds enjoy, especially ones that bloom throughout the year. Introduce a slow-moving water feature, or leave sweet fruit outside during the day when hummingbirds are nearby. Consider adding bright and red-colored objects to your yard. Don’t spray insecticide, or trim back your bushes too much.

If you know hummingbirds are nearby but never see them in your yard, don’t worry. There are several creative and fairly simple ways to start attracting hummingbirds into your yard. The key is to make your yard more appealing by adding food sources as well as colors and objects the hummingbirds know and love. Keep reading to uncover the top ways to attract hummingbirds into your yard this summer.

10 Ways To Attract Hummingbirds Into Your Yard This Summer

1. Install A Hummingbird Feeder

One of the most effective and easiest ways to increase the number of hummingbirds in your yard this summer is to install a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbird feeders are available in many shapes and sizes and usually come with some sugary nectar that the hummingbirds love.

With so many different design options, you can easily find a hummingbird feeder that matches your aesthetic.

You can also make your own hummingbird nectar using water and sugar. Just make sure you change the nectar in the feeder periodically, as it will go bad (especially the homemade kind), and can make the hummingbirds sick. When hanging a hummingbird feeder, place it near a bush or shrubs if possible. Placing it out in the open may make the birds feel unsafe, as it leaves them vulnerable to predators.

2. Plant Flowers That Hummingbirds Like

You don’t need to install a hummingbird feeder to attract hummingbirds. Instead, you can add plants that hummingbirds love to lure them into your yard. Hummingbirds like nectar-producing flowers, especially colorful ones that are tubular or trumpet-like.

Some of a hummingbird’s favorite flowers include honeysuckle, butterfly bush, and beebalms. If you want to see hummingbirds easily, consider planting these flowering plants in hanging plant beds, so the flowers, and in turn hummingbirds, will be at eye level.

3. Install Slow-Moving Water Features

All birds need water, but not all birds like the same type of water. Many birds like bird baths, but hummingbirds are not big fans of stagnant water. Instead, they enjoy fresh, slow-moving water like a backyard lazy river or a babbling brook. If you don’t have a natural stream nearby, consider installing a slow-moving water feature.

A water feature that has a small waterfall, and slow-moving water is a great way to attract hummingbirds to your yard. It is also a great way to drown out noise and add peace to your backyard.

4. Put Out Sweet Fruit During The Day

Hummingbirds are sugar lovers. They are naturally attracted to sweet natural sugars, and not only the sugary nectar found in flowers. Hummingbirds are also attracted to the aroma of sweet fruits.

If you have sweet fruit or even the pit or core of sweet fruit, consider leaving it out during prime hummingbird feeding hours, especially if you have recently seen one flying around.

Just remember to bring the fruit inside at night, as sweet fruit can also attract night-time animals like raccoons, rats, and other creatures you probably would rather see as little as possible.

5. Don’t Kill Spiders

You have probably heard people tell you not to kill spiders. They trap and eat other insects, but they can also attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds eat spiders and other insects. They also use the silk from spider webs to help build their nests. This silk makes a great adhesive to glue the small twigs together and make a stable home for these birds.

Therefore, if you have plenty of spider webs, there is a higher chance hummingbirds will make a permanent residence nearby.

6. Grow Out Your Bushes And Shrubs

Hummingbirds don’t live in very open nests, and they won’t live in any of the birdhouses you install in your yard. They like to create their nests in more hidden low-key locations, like in bushes and shrubs. Therefore, if you have bushes and shrubs, don’t trim them back too far. Allow plenty of space for privacy.

This might inspire hummingbirds to nest in your yard once you have attracted them there with the other methods. Bushes and shrubs also protect them from predators, so they make for a great temporary refuge for these small birds.

7. Incorporate More Red Into Your Yard

Hummingbirds love the color red. This is why you often see red hummingbird feeders, and the nectar is also tinted red. The reason hummingbirds like red is because red flowers tend to have lots of nectar.

So, if you are looking to plant flowers to attract more hummingbirds, consider planting red or orange-colored flowers. Hibiscus and red salvia are both great red flowers to add to your yard to try and attract more of these birds. You can also add red-colored accents to your garden to try and lure these birds onto your property.

8. Have Flowers Blooming In Your Yard Throughout The Year

Another tip to attracting hummingbirds into your yard is to ensure you have flowers that bloom throughout the year. If you have flowers that attract hummingbirds, this will only keep them interested as long as the flowers are alive, blooming, and producing nectar.

If all your flowers die off, then hummingbirds are likely going to move on to another area. The best way to keep hummingbirds in your yard once you have attracted them there is to have flowers blooming constantly. Find colorful flowers that bloom in the early spring, and also flowers that will bloom in the fall.

9. Attract Hummingbirds With Bright Colored Streamers

In addition to colorful flowers, you can also enhance the probability of seeing hummingbirds in your yard by installing colorful streamers to catch the attention of these timid birds. They love red, orange, and other shiny moving objects. Adding colorful garden decorations like these is another great way to help bring these birds into your yard this summer and throughout the year.

10. Stop Using Harmful Pesticides

Lastly, make sure that you create a healthy environment for hummingbirds, and all animals, if you are hoping to attract them into your yard. This means not using harmful and strong pesticides.

Insecticides and pesticides will significantly decrease the likelihood of hummingbirds and other wild birds coming into your yard. These products are loaded with chemicals, many of which are harmful when consumed. This means hummingbirds can get sick. Also, insects and spiders are food for hummingbirds and other birds, so killing them would remove an essential food source.

Final Thoughts On How To Attract Hummingbirds Into Your Yard

If you are a fan of hummingbirds but never see them in your yard, you should know there are a few easy ways to bring these birds onto your property. Hummingbird feeders are a very effective and fairly inexpensive way to increase the likelihood of seeing hummingbirds in your yard in the summer. You can also plant nectar-producing flowers the hummingbirds love, especially ones with red blooms.

Hummingbirds use spider webs to make nests, so don’t kill spiders. Remember they like to nest and take shelter in bushes and shrubs, so don’t trim your bushes back too far. Lastly, think twice before you spray insecticide, as it can be harmful to hummingbirds, and remove spiders and insects that these birds rely on.

Related Guides:

• Which Plants Attract Hummingbirds?
• What Bugs Are Good For Your Garden?
• Colorful Outdoor Plants That Require Very Little Upkeep