It’s getting close to the annual Hummingbird migration here in Texas. Hummingbirds will be stopping here on their way north from March through May and the San Antonio, Austin aera is prime for hummingbird during migration.

How do you make sure they visit your house here are some tips I found and there is a video on how to make your own feeder below.

1. Plant Hummingbird-Friendly Flowers

Nectar-Rich Plants: Hummingbirds are drawn to flowers that produce nectar. They prefer tubular, brightly colored flowers, particularly those in shades of red, orange, and pink.

Native Plants: Native plants are often best because they provide the most suitable nectar sources for local hummingbird species.

Some popular hummingbird-friendly plants include:

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Salvia

Columbine (Aquilegia)

Zinnias

Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)

Fuchsia

Morning Glory

Ensure a mix of flowering plants with different bloom times to provide a constant food source throughout the season.

2. Set Up a Hummingbird Feeder

Nectar Mix: You can make your own nectar at home by mixing 1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water to dissolve the sugar, then cool it before filling the feeder. Avoid using red dye, as it’s unnecessary and could be harmful to the birds.

Clean the Feeder Regularly: To avoid mold and bacteria growth, clean the feeder with hot water and a brush at least once a week, and more often during hot weather.

Feeder Placement: Hang the feeder in a shady spot to prevent the nectar from spoiling too quickly. Choose a location that is visible but safe from predators like cats.

3. Create a Water Source

Misting or Dripping Water: Hummingbirds are attracted to moving water. A gentle mist or small dripper (like a birdbath with a fountain) can catch their attention.

Birdbaths: A shallow birdbath with fresh, clean water can also be appealing. Make sure the water is not too deep, and keep it clean.

4. Provide Natural Habitat

Shrubs and Trees for Shelter: Hummingbirds need places to perch and rest. Having dense shrubs or trees nearby for shelter is beneficial.

Create a Safe, Quiet Area: Ensure there are quiet spots in your garden where hummingbirds can rest and feel safe from predators like larger birds and cats.

5. Offer a Variety of Food Sources

Insects: Hummingbirds also eat small insects for protein. You can encourage insects by maintaining a healthy garden or allowing some areas to grow wild.

Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can kill the insects that hummingbirds rely on, so use organic gardening methods.

6. Use Multiple Feeders

Place Feeders in Different Locations: To prevent territorial fights, you can hang multiple feeders in different areas of your yard.

Choose Feeders with Perches: Some hummingbird feeders come with built-in perches, allowing the birds to rest while they drink, which can encourage them to stay longer.

7. Provide Hummingbird-Friendly Nesting Sites

Hummingbirds need a place to build their nests. You can attract them by planting certain trees and shrubs that have the right kind of twigs and materials for nest building, such as willows, maples, and certain types of pine trees.

You can also leave spider webs and cottony materials in your garden to give them nesting materials.