Hummingbirds' needs

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (male)

Nectar is only one requirement for a hummingbird's diet. About 10 percent of its direct comes from sources of protein. 

Hummingbirds eat soft-bodied insects and spiders to gain necessary protein. A hummingbird will capture insects by a process known as "hawking," which is when a hummingbird will fly and dive to catch an insect in flight. 

We can assist the birds by hanging a banana peel near the hummingbird feeder to attract fruit flies. You should replace the banana peel every few days as it dries out.

Feeder-fighting among hummingbirds is a common concern for us. Like many birds, hummingbirds do not have the "share gene." When they find a food source, they are unwilling to share it with other hummingbirds.

Years ago the theory was to put feeders on the other side of the house so that the birds would not see each other. But that's not the newest thinking. Long-time hummingbird bander and noted author Bob Sargent says the best way to attract more hummingbirds is to put out more feeders and cluster them together. When the birds feed in a clustered area, a dominant bird cannot defend more than one feeder.

Multiple feeders mean attract multiple birds

You also can add more nectar-producing flowers to your landscape. They provide even more food sources for more birds to enjoy without arguing! 

Right now is the best time of year to buy and plant many hummingbird-friendly plants. Some of these plants will bloom in your garden this season and will come back year after year. They include red daylily, cardinal flower, bee balm, salvia and coral bells. Other flowers may take two or more years to establish. These include trumpet vine and red hot poker. Also consider annuals such as fuchsia—they bloom all summer and make great hanging baskets.

Controlling insects on hummingbird feeders is very important. Ants, wasps, bees and hornets may be attracted to the sweet nectar. They can be dangerous for hummingbirds. Some feeders are less insect-friendly than others. Saucer feeders position nectar away from the feeding port and insects are not able to reach the nectar; hummingbirds with their long tongues have no trouble.

Bleeding hearts are welcome at springtime

Ant moats keep crawling insects from accessing nectar without impeding hummingbirds from feeding. Make sure, though, that the moat remains filled with water. Perhaps add a drop of vegetable oil to slow evaporation. A full moat will prevent ants from climbing from the pole to the feeder.

Insects visit convenient food sources and are less likely to search for relocated feeders. Moving the feeder a few feet can minimize insects without discouraging the hummingbirds. 

Nectar may drip from the bird's beak onto the feeder. Each time the feeder is cleaned, make sure the outside feeding ports are cleaned as well.

You also can offer an alternate feeder if you want to keep bees in the yard out away from the hummingbird feeder. Place the division feeder, preferably a yellow cup, in an obvious sunny location with some sugar water in it.