Hummingbirds: The Garden’s Glittery VIPs and How to Get Them to RSVP

If you have ever envisioned transforming your garden into an exclusive gathering for nature’s elegant and distinguished hummingbirds, then welcome to their glitzy world. These small, shimmering showstoppers are the celebrities of the bird kingdom, and they are ready to transform your garden into their very own private stage. Let’s explore some captivating facts about these glamorous birds, the top plants to entice them, and why having them around is akin to hosting a daily VIP affair.

Fun Facts About Hummingbirds: The Glitzy Lowdown

1. Diva Feathers: Hummingbirds are like the Kardashians of the avian world—flashy and always stealing the show. Their feathers aren’t just colorful; they’re tiny light prisms. If you thought disco balls were cool, you haven’t seen anything yet.
2. Wing Workouts: Hummingbirds beat their wings up to 80 times per second. That’s right—80. These birds are the CrossFit enthusiasts of the animal kingdom.
3. Memory Masters: Ever wished you had a memory like an elephant? Hummingbirds have you beat. They remember every flower they’ve visited and how long it takes to refill. Next time you forget where you left your keys, just think of these feathered geniuses.
4. Frequent Flyers: Some hummingbirds migrate like they’re on an epic road trip. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird flies non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico. Imagine doing a 500-mile flight without a layover. Talk about a commitment to frequent flyer miles!

Why You See More Hummingbirds in the Fall

You might think hummingbirds are showing up to crash the fall garden party, but actually, there’s a method to their madness. Here’s why you see more of these glittery guests as summer wanes and fall arrives:

1. Migration Prep: Fall serves as a warm-up for the upcoming migration of many bird species, including hummingbirds, which stop by gardens to refuel at the nectar buffet. They need the extra calories to sustain their long journeys.
2. Nectar Rush: As the temperature decreases and flowers become scarce, hummingbirds increase their visits to gardens for nectar. They are essentially stocking up on energy for their migration, resembling a last-minute grocery run before a big trip. 
3. Reduced Competition: With fewer insects and food sources available, gardens become prime feeding locations for hummingbirds. This makes gardens like the VIP section of a party, where hummingbirds can enjoy their meal without competition.

Plants That’ll Have Hummingbirds Buzzing for More

If you want your garden to become the hottest hangout for hummingbirds, you’ll need to roll out the red carpet with some irresistible floral favorites. Here’s what will have them flocking to your place:

1. Bee Balm (Monarda): This plant is like the Beyoncé of the hummingbird world—bold, beautiful, and impossible to ignore. With its bright red, pink, and purple blooms, Bee Balm is basically hummingbird catnip.
2. Salvia (Salvia spp.): Salvias come in a dazzling array of colors, including red, purple, and pink. They’re like the confetti at a hummingbird’s party—fun, colorful, and totally necessary.
3. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): With its bright red flowers, the Cardinal Flower is the equivalent of a VIP pass for hummingbirds. They’re irresistibly drawn to this floral superstar.
4. Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans): This plant’s trumpet-shaped blooms are like a neon sign saying “Hummingbird Lounge Here!” It’s a vigorous vine that’ll keep the VIPs coming back for more.
5. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): Think of Coral Honeysuckle as the garden’s very own candy store—sweet, tubular flowers in coral and red that hummingbirds simply can’t resist.

So, if you’re ready to host the most exclusive garden gala in town—complete with iridescent guests and aerial feats—start planting those hummingbird favorites. Your garden will become the buzz of the neighborhood, and you’ll enjoy the spectacle of nature’s glittering little VIPs right in your backyard.