Fresh feeders will attract hummingbirds after the bloom is gone

Q: I know you’re a fan of hummingbirds. I was very happy to have attracted them last year and so glad when they showed back up to my feeder this year. Well, they aren’t coming around as often as I’d like, and I wonder if maybe I’m doing something wrong? — M.T., Albuquerque

A: Here are a couple of thoughts to put your angst at ease.

First, I’ll bet there are a couple of desert willow or chitalpa trees in full bloom near enough to your home that the hummingbirds are feeding on that “true nectar” for the majority of their diet. That’s a great thing, as long as the tree owners will continue to water the trees throughout the balance of this growing season and periodically throughout the winter months. So keep your fingers crossed about that.

I’m willing to venture that as the series of any blooming trees in your area finishes, the hummingbirds will actively visit your feeder more often. But that’s dependent on if you keep the sugar water in your feeder fresh.

With all the high temperatures we’re having, I’m going to suggest that you change the food no less than every three days, especially if your feeders are exposed to a lot of direct sun. It can spoil, and if you think the hummingbirds are going to drink sour food, you’re mistaken.

To be ready to welcome the hummingbirds to a convenient place to dine after the trees have finished their show, be sure to keep your diner clean and fresh. Once attracted, and as long as the food source is fresh, they’ll usually stay in the area, so just encourage them.

Even though it is hot, you might consider planting a couple of hummingbird friendly plants. Lantana, zauschneria (hummingbird flower), all sorts of varieties of penstemon, honeysuckle and even rosemary plants will be visited by hummingbirds. If you’re going to aim to add some hummingbird friendly plants, consider offering them some semi-shade areas so they can settle in without working terrifically hard. It’d be challenging to plant most anything in full sun with these temperatures.

Those are my thoughts on hummingbirds. Just be patient until the attractive tree bloomers are finished and be sure to keep your feeders clean and fresh, even if you’re not seeing much traffic so to speak. They’ll be back and happy to find such a nice food source so convenient for them, showing that you care.

Happy Diggin’ In!

Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson St. NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.