The hummers are back! If you haven’t put your hummingbird feeders out for the year now is the time to get started. The most common species seen in these parts is the Ruby Throated Hummingbird. It is easily recognized with its bright red throat. Texas is the home to or in the migration pattern of 18 species of hummingbirds. There are ten that are known as the Texas Ten that are common in the Lone Star State. Their migration pattern covers the Gulf of Mexico (over 500 miles!) twice a year. They can fly at speeds of 60mph with wingbeats of up to 75 beats per second. The smallest member of the bird family can fly forward, backward, sideways, and stop in mid-air. Tiny insects make up a large portion of their diets. They also consume over half their body weight in nectar each day through a hollow tongue. We can attract these little wonders to our yards in two ways. 

     Hummingbird feeders are the easiest way to get their attention. Feeders can be easily purchased and kept full with a sugar water mixture. Glass feeders last longer and are more easily cleaned. You should never use a dye to color the water as it can make the birds sick. The red color of the feeder is enough to attract the birds. The mixture for the feeders is 1/4 cup of sugar to every cup of water. Boil the mixture to prevent fermentation and let it cool before placing it in the feeders. While excess mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for two weeks it is best to make smaller amounts more often. The feeders should be cleaned with hot water (no soap) every 3-4 days in hot weather. The feeder should be placed in an open, shady spot where the hummers will have easy access. There is a better way to attract hummingbirds to your yard that is more fun, more attractive, and less work in the long run. Use plants that attract the birds!

     It is easy to build a garden with a design that has hummingbirds in mind. There are trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and vines you can use. In our area there are two trees that the hummers prefer. They are the Desert Willow and the Silk Tree. We know the Silk Tree as a Mimosa tree. It is the tree with the big pink blossoms in mid-summer through fall. The Desert Willow is very drought tolerant tree native to West Texas. Shrubs that attract hummers include Abelias, honeysuckle’s, and Buddleias. Cape honeysuckle can be an upright shrub 6-8 feet tall with a hard pruning. Glossy Abelia grows to 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide. ‘Edward Goucher’ Abelia is a dwarf type (3-5’) that is lacier than the bigger variety. Buddleias attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. Also known as Butterfly Bush, they come in pink, lilac, blue, purple, or white flowers. While most will remain smaller, in the right conditions Buddleias can reach 10 feet!

     Some of the more common plants that gardeners use for color also attract hummingbirds. Impatiens, snapdragons, zinnias, and geraniums work well. The native Trumpet Vine, Bee Balm, and Butterfly Weed are favorites. Different varieties of Iris, Gladiolus, Phlox, and Salvia’s are good choices. For beautiful and unusual blooms try the Red Hot Poker or the Bottlebrush Plant. If you like to grow herbs try garden nasturtiums, rosemary, or plants from the lavender family.

     If you would like to get more involved with identifying hummingbirds you can join the Texas Hummingbird Roundup Backyard Survey being conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Over five years they will study the range, distribution, favorite sites, and feeding habits of these little wonders. You can even get a Roundup package that contains a survey form, some garden seeds, and a quick reference guide to Texas Hummingbirds. At the end of each year you will receive a Hummingbird Roundup decal showing your participation and a newsletter with the years results. To register send your name, address, and county of residence, with 6 dollars to Texas Backyard Hummingbird Survey, Non-Game and Urban Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin Texas, 78744. For an extra 11.95 you will also get a quick reference guide. Let ‘em hummmm!