What plants attract humming birds?

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

09/16/2008 12:31:56 PM · #1

This morning I woke up to a quick glimpse of a humming bird on a jasmine plant we have in teh backyard. Excited, by the time I reached my camera bag, it had already moved on :-(

Is there a specific family of plants that would attract such birds? Would a bird feeder be better?

bassbone

Nikon Z8

09/16/2008 12:34:06 PM · #2

Originally posted by Prash:

Not an expert here, but a hummingbird feeder seems to be a great way to get them to come back, but I think you will find that taking pictures of these guys actually at a flower will be more pleasing to the eye to photograph. Use the feeder as bait and the flowers (not sure which are best) as the target.

DJWoodward

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/16/2008 12:35:25 PM · #3

Prash, Google Hummingbird Feeder and you'll get a bunch of info. There are actually special liquid nectar-based feeders that many people use

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

09/16/2008 12:40:47 PM · #4

Thanks!

I will google for a h-bird feeder, and also for specific plants!

marcbenton

Canon EOS-40D

09/16/2008 12:48:29 PM · #5

Depending on your location, it takes a bit for the hummingbirds to find your feeder. Don't expect instant results. The average I've seen is 3 weeks to 2 months for them to regularly return. Once they find it though they'll return over and over and offer great chances for shots. We are in Northern Virginia and put our feeder up in May but didn't start seeing them until mid-August.

antares1966

Nikon D7200

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

09/16/2008 12:50:14 PM · #6

In general, hummingbirds are attracted to red colored flowers, you'll see most hummingbird feeders have a red color on them somewhere, beyond that I'm not sure if there are specific plants that they like more, we have a trumpet honeysuckle vine in our backyard that they just love!

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

09/16/2008 01:28:27 PM · #7

Try here:

Flower that attract hummingbords

But most any red / orange / yellow tube type flower will work.

As for a feeder get a decent one (Aspect is a good brand) that has at least three or four holes. Keep it clean by washing it out every week or two. Mix up a batch of sugar water (4 parts water /1 part sugar)and keep it in the fridge to refill as needed. Don't worry about coloring the water, there is no need. Once they find it they will return every year as long as you are consistent with keeping it out and clean. Planting out your yard with the stuff they like will also help them stay around and even nest close by. If you don't have alot of room use hanging baskets.

Good luck and have fun shooting them!

BTW - depending on where you are on the west coast you could have hummers stay around all year.

Message edited by author 2008-09-16 13:32:18.

Katmystiry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

09/16/2008 01:39:56 PM · #8

Bee Balm will attract many hummingbirds and they self seed.

bergiekat

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

09/16/2008 01:47:23 PM · #9

Our little friends like Turks Cap (Cardinal's Cap, we have Trumpet Vine that they like (and I will give anyone seeds for if you want!!!!!! They self seed.), Rose of Sharon...mostly flowers with a bell type flowers in our experience. Jasmine would fall into this category.

Watch them, they will not drink out of the same flower twice on a trip. :)

Humming birds will become somewhat bold once they get used to your yard. And if you have a feeder, it's best to keep the camera close by. They are in and out just that quick! :)

pixelpig

Sony Alpha a55

Sony DT 50mm f/1.8 SAM

09/16/2008 01:56:48 PM · #10

Prash, skip the sugar-water feeders, they attract ants & bees. Instead, go visit your local plant nursery & get some local plants that attract hummingbirds. I can say from personal experience that if you train the jasmine to grow up a trellis & place a sprinkler to make the jasmine drip with water, the hummingbirds will fly through the mist for a bath. They like to perch on a bare twig, to look out over the yard. They stay out late, too. Also, if you get a dog dish for water & fill it up, it will attract all kinds of birds. Get yourself a comfy chair to put your feet up. They are not afraid of people. Once they get used to you & your yard, you could attach a red flower to your hat & get a good closeup as they fly in for an investigative look. They are wonderful, fearless little creatures. If you're lucky, you will get a nest next year. Their mating ritual flights are fun to observe. Good luck! [edit for spelling]

Message edited by author 2008-09-16 13:58:31.

09/16/2008 02:01:41 PM · #11

Originally posted by pixelpig:

:-)

Thank you for such a short and informative advice, I enjoyed reading it very much!

I might go to the OSH we have nearby to check out the plants...

09/16/2008 02:02:55 PM · #12

Originally posted by bergiekat:

Thank you for suggesting the plants, and about offering to send the seeds. I will first try to find them in the area.. if not, I might just bug you:-)

Oh and I like the idea about the hat...

09/16/2008 02:03:22 PM · #13

Originally posted by Katmystiry:

Bee Balm will attract many hummingbirds and they self seed.

Thanks Kat, gotta try that too..

09/16/2008 02:04:31 PM · #14

Originally posted by jbsmithana:

Thank you for sharing that link, that is very helpful!! I am in the bay area, close to SanFrancisco.

09/16/2008 02:05:26 PM · #15

Originally posted by antares1966:

Yes many people have recommended the trumpet honeysuckle.. I will go ckeck it out.

Thanks.