Karen's Corner: Attract Hummingbirds to your window

by Karen February 18, 2025

Hummingbirds arrive earlier than you think

If you are in the eastern half of the United States, Hummingbirds began migrating to your area as early as February. Here, in Georgia, they started making their appearance mid-March. It was my intention to share some notes on Hummingbirds last year, to help you prepare for their arrival, if you are new to attracting and feeding Hummingbirds. However, after years of maintaining flowers that attract these tiny birds, as well as nectar feeders, I was stymied by the absence of them at my home this year.

Migrating Hummingbirds will stay in their nesting area through early fall (some species in California do not migrate). To my surprise, I learned my neighbor cut down 9 trees on her property, which likely destroyed a Hummingbird habitat. They always came to my yard from hers, which may explain the few sightings I had last year.

Below I am sharing what I know in the hopes that both of us have better luck this year! I hope you also enjoy the photos at the end, which all come from my yard.

My tips for feeding Hummingbirds:

Change feeders according to the temperature chart (below) to keep it safe & fresh
Dissolve 1 part white table sugar to 4 parts water to make nectar (i.g.: 1/4th cup sugar to 1 cup water)
Use ONLY white table sugar to make nectar. It is the closest to the nectar in flowers
Important: Organic sugar, honey, or any other sweetener will KILL Hummingbirds!
Use glass or plastic feeders, but clean them regularly to avoid mold
The presence of mold will kill Hummingbirds
DO NOT add red food coloring or use commercially prepared nectar (waste of money)
Use an “Ant Moat” to keep ants out of the feeder
If hung on a pole, wipe a section of the pole with Vaseline to keep ants from climbing
Sprinkle cinnamon and refresh as needed at base of pole to repel ants
Do not knock down spider webs! They provide nesting material for Hummers!