Hummingbirds are on the Way: How to Attract Early Scouters in Virginia

As the winter chill starts to fade and the first signs of spring begin to appear, one of nature’s most anticipated visitors prepares to return to Virginia: the hummingbird. 

In Hampton Roads, these small but vibrant birds will make their journey back to our gardens very soon, and with a bit of preparation, you can welcome them into your yard with ease. 

If you want to ensure you’re attracting early scouters and giving them a safe and nourishing place to stop by, the time to prepare your yard is now.

Hummingbirds are often among the first migratory birds to return, so it’s important to have your feeders set up before they arrive. Place your feeders out in early March to give these tiny travelers a reliable food source as they begin their migration. Choose feeders with bright colors like red to catch the attention of hummingbirds from afar.

A good option is the Perky-Pet Glass Hummingbird Feeder, which features multiple feeding ports and a 30 oz nectar capacity. Its bright red color and flower-shaped feeding ports are designed to attract hummingbirds. The wide-mouth design makes it easy to clean and refill, ensuring that your feathered friends always have access to fresh nectar. 

Another great choice is the Nature's Way Bird Products Hummingbird Feeder, which features a beautiful hand-blown glass design and three red flower feeding ports that will surely add a decorative touch to your garden while providing a functional feeding station.

2. Prepare or Purchase Nectar

To attract hummingbirds to your yard, providing a reliable source of nectar is essential. You can choose between convenient commercial options or make your own homemade nectar. For a hassle-free solution, Perky-Pet Clear Powder Concentrate Hummingbird Nectar allows you to easily mix fresh nectar as needed, while More Birds Ready-to-Use Red Liquid Hummingbird Nectar provides instant feeding with no mixing required.

If you prefer to make your own nectar, simply combine four parts water with one part white granulated sugar, stirring until fully dissolved. Avoid using honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds. Whether you opt for commercial nectar or a homemade recipe, be sure to clean feeders regularly and change the nectar every few days to keep your humming visitors healthy.

Another way to make your yard attractive to hummingbirds is to plant native nectar-rich flowers that provide a natural food source. Look for plants with tubular flowers in bright colors like red, orange, and pink, which are known to attract hummingbirds.

Trumpet Honeysuckle, Bee Balm, and Columbine are excellent nectar-rich plants that attract hummingbirds throughout the seasons. Coral Honeysuckle and Salvia also provide vibrant blooms and a steady nectar source from spring to fall. Adding these plants to your garden will help provide hummingbirds with essential nourishment.

Hummingbirds need more than just food to make your garden a true haven. Offering natural habitat elements like shrubs and trees provides shelter and safe places for perching. Hummingbirds often seek out areas where they can rest and feel safe, so adding native shrubs can help create a welcoming environment.

Additionally, consider installing a birdbath or water fountain. While hummingbirds don’t bathe like other birds, they do enjoy sipping from a water source to keep their feathers in top condition. A gentle water flow or even a small, shallow dish can be enough to draw them in for a quick drink.

5. Maintain Clean Feeders and Gardens

Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Wash your feeders with hot water and a hummingbird feeder brush at least once a week, especially during warmer weather. Remove old nectar from the feeders and replace it with fresh nectar to help keep local hummingbirds healthy.

The plants you choose for your garden will also require maintenance. Pruning wilted blooms and ensuring the plants are well-watered can help keep the garden vibrant and appealing to hummingbirds.

6. Be Patient and Observant

While you may see the first hummingbirds return as early as late February, peak migration typically occurs in April. Be patient as you wait for the first hummingbird arrivals. In the meantime, continue to provide food, shelter, and water sources to make your yard an inviting stop for hummingbirds. They will find their way to your yard before long!

With a bit of preparation and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the sight of hummingbirds in your own backyard. Stop by Taylor’s Do it Center to get started on your preparations today. We can’t wait to see you!