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Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds
 Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating birds to watch with their tiny stature and mysterious means of flight. Each summer a number of hummingbird species migrate to Wisconsin and by incorporating a few of the right ideas, you can successfully attract these intriguing birds to your yard.
Planting a hummingbird flower garden is an excellent way to attract hummingbirds to your yard. Flower nectar is one of their primary food sources and because hummingbirds do not have a sense of smell, they rely on bloom color and shape to find flower nectar. While hummingbirds will extract nectar from many different colored blooms, they show a strong preference for red to orange blooms. In addition, they prefer long, tubular shaped blooms which allow them to easily extract the nectar with their long, slender beaks. Flowers such as columbine, butterfly bush, foxglove, coral bells and hosta as well as shrubs such as azalea and weigela are among those best known to attract hummingbirds.
 You can further increase your odds of attracting hummingbirds by adding a feeder to your yard. Hummingbird feeders are available in many varieties and are designed to hold a sugar mixture which provides a fresh alternative to flower nectar. You can purchase ready-to-use nectar solution or a liquid or powder that you mix with water. It is recommended that you clean your feeder twice a week so be sure to select a feeder that is easy to take apart and clean.Finally, hummingbirds love to bathe. In fact, it is especially important for hummingbirds to bathe to rid their feathers of sticky flower nectar. Consider adding water for hummingbirds to bathe in keeping in mind that they prefer to bathe in water that is shallow and moving.
Implementing these three ideas will have you well on your way to attracting hummingbirds to your yard. Stein Gardens & Gifts offers a wide variety of hummingbird feeders to choose from and our lawn and garden experts are ready to help you select the right plants and shrubs for your hummingbird flower garden.
Sources:
www.hummingbirdsociety.org
www.hummingbirds.net
www.associatedcontent.com/article/288707/hummingbirds_in_wisconsin_pg4.html?cat=8
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