Caring for hummingbirds in your garden

Notes and advice about planting for hummingbirds and using nectar feeders.

A hummingbird- and pollinator-friendly garden is one of the best ways to support local wildlife. Plant nectar-rich flowers to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other visitors — and enjoy the delight of new life in your garden throughout the year.

Nectar feeders can bring hummingbirds close enough to watch and photograph, but they must be managed with care. Keep feeders scrupulously clean and filled with fresh, safe nectar so they help the birds rather than harm them.

Hummingbirds also eat soft-bodied insects for protein, so avoid pesticides. Pesticides reduce the insects and pollinators that hummingbirds depend on and may harm the birds directly.

Hummingbird nectar recipe

Mix 4 cups of boiling water with 1 cup of pure cane white granulated sugar. Stir until dissolved, then allow the nectar to cool completely before filling feeders. Store any excess nectar, covered, in the fridge for up to one week.

Important: Use only pure cane white granulated sugar. Never use brown sugar, honey or red dye, as these can harm hummingbirds. Clean feeders daily if possible and never leave more than two days between cleans.

Choosing and placing feeders

• Choose feeders that are easy to take apart and clean.
• Wash feeders thoroughly with hot water before first use.
• Use only the nectar recipe above and never add red dye.
• Never put hummingbird nectar in an open container: nectar splashed on feathers can be dangerous for the birds.
• When first putting out feeders, fill them only halfway.
• Hang feeders where you can enjoy watching them from your garden or porch.
• Place feeders near pollinator-friendly plants and natural perches where birds can rest and preen.

Keeping feeders clean

• Refresh nectar daily where possible, or at least every two days.
• Clean feeders more often in full sun, as nectar spoils faster in hot conditions.
• Cloudy nectar should be discarded immediately.
• Scrub feeders thoroughly, including the feeding ports, with hot water and a clean brush.
• Never allow black mold to grow on feeders.
• Disinfect weekly with a weak bleach solution, dilute white vinegar or dilute hydrogen peroxide, then rinse very thoroughly.
• Use a water-filled ant moat instead of grease or other substances to deter ants.
• Keep ant moats clean, as hummingbirds may drink from them.

Hand feeders

• Wash hand feeders thoroughly before and after use.
• Fill halfway and place near the regular feeders so the birds can become accustomed to it.
• Before putting out the main feeders in the morning, try standing near the feeding area with the hand feeder resting flat on your open hand.
• Move slowly and calmly toward any hummingbirds perching nearby.
• You can also try during the day when the birds are actively feeding.
• Be patient — it may take time for the birds to come close.