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How Can I Get a Hummingbird to Get Close to Me?

With wings that beat about 20 times each second and iridescent colors, hummingbirds are a sight to see. In the United States, these tiny birds can be found in gardens year-round throughout the South and the West, and in the rest of the country between April and October. Those wanting to attract hummingbirds and get closer to them should set up plenty of food sources for the birds and provide plants and shrubs for them to nest with.

Things You'll Need

Hummingbird feeder
Sugar
Water
Plants
Flowers

Instructions

Instructions
- 1
  Buy a hummingbird feeder. These can be purchased online or at a birding store. These specialized feeders mimic nectar-bearing flowers, which attract hummingbirds. Also, look for one in the color red, because that's the color the birds are most attracted to.
- 2
  Hang the hummingbird feeder somewhere in your backyard that you have a good view of, such as outside your kitchen window or on the porch. Consider hanging multiple feeders at varying heights, as certain hummingbird species prefer feeding at different levels. For example, some species feed from flowers 12 to 15 feet high, while others dine lower to the ground.
- 3
  Pour a sweet nectar into your feeder. This mix can be made by combining one part sugar and four parts water, which you then boil for one to two minutes and then cool and refrigerate. The Bird Watchers website warns never to use artificial sweeteners in the mix because they don't have any nutritional value for the birds. Also, avoid using honey as a sweetener. This could grow mold in the feeder, which is harmful to hummingbirds.
- 4
  Plant flowers and shrubs that attract hummingbirds. Lantanas, columbines, fuchsias and impatiens are just some of the flowers that attract hummingbirds. Even if you have a feeder, these extra meals could attract more hummingbirds and keep them around longer. Also, plant shrubs and trees that the birds can use as nesting material, including ferns, willows and eucalyptus. Providing this nesting material will encourage females to make a home in your backyard. You might soon see her take hummingbird babies to the feeder right outside your window.

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