We’re starting to see hummingbirds make their way through for the Spring migration! These tiny birds are BIG eaters. They need to feed several times an hour and consume half their body weight in food each day. The February freeze damaged a large amount of the hummingbird’s food source, and the plants that are coming back are coming into bloom later than normal. This makes it hard for birds to find the food they need to continue to migrate.
The good news is…humans can help! While you’re replacing plants and revamping areas this Spring, consider plants that look great and provide lots of nectar for hummingbirds to feed on. Our favs for South Texas are Firecracker Plant (aka Cuphea), Salvias (like Salvia greggii and Salvia leucantha), and Cape Honeysuckle.
You can supplement those hummingbird plants with some feeders. Fill your feeders with 1 part sugar + 4 parts water and be sure to change water every 3-4 days this Spring and every 2-3 days in the Summer.
-Wyatt
Julie Baker says
Our esperanza attracted a lot of hummingbirds before the freeze. I’m sure it won’t be ready to bloom again for several years so we’ve hung our feeder. No sightings yet.
Marlyn Garant says
I have had hummingbirds at my feeders for about 2 weeks now. Mix my own nectar (no red coloring). I have them at the front and back of the house. I use the large feeders so that they can perch on the ring and give their wings a rest.
Also, I have woodpeckers who come every day to feed also and they are wonderful to watch also. No, they have not bothered my facia boards at all.
Carolyn Ellison says
Good morning Marlyn, what part of the country do you live in I am in East Central Indiana I’m not sure if it’s too early to hang my hummingbird feeder‘s yet. I have been feeding the hummingbirds for several years now last year I had five and two of them were a different species, thank you
I would also appreciate hearing from anyone that can tell me when to be prepared for my area when the hummingbirds arrive here.
Cathie says
I used to love in Oregon, and kept feeders out year round. Had to take them in at night in the winter, as to not freeze, but had hummers all year round!