The Hummingbird Life Cycle: How Our Feeders Support These Tiny Wonders Year-Round
At Lake Superior Art Glass, we are not only passionate about creating beautiful glass art but also about supporting the natural beauty in our surroundings. One way we do this is through our handmade and unique hummingbird feeders, designed to attract and nourish these tiny marvels of nature. Understanding the life cycle and habits of hummingbirds can help us better support them throughout the year.
Early Season: The Nectar Dependency
As spring arrives, hummingbirds embark on their long migration journeys, arriving in our gardens hungry and in need of high-energy nectar to refuel. This is the perfect time to hang up your hummingbird feeders filled with a simple sugar-water solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water, boiled and cooled). Our glass feeders not only provide a reliable food source but also add a touch of beauty to your garden.
Brooding Season: Protein Power
As summer progresses, hummingbirds enter their brooding season. During this time, their dietary needs shift primarily to protein-rich insects to support the growth of their chicks. Many people mistakenly believe that their hummingbirds have left when they notice fewer visits to the feeders. In reality, these birds are busy hunting insects to feed their young.
Late Season: The Return to Nectar
Once the young hummingbirds have fledged, the adult birds return to our gardens to replenish their energy with nectar. This is why it’s crucial to have late-season blooms and to keep your feeders well-stocked. Flowers such as bee balm, salvia, and trumpet vine are excellent choices for attracting hummingbirds.
Keeping Your Feeders Safe and Healthy
To ensure the health and safety of these delicate creatures, it’s important to maintain your feeders properly:
- Clean your feeders every week: Use a mild soap solution and rinse thoroughly to prevent mold and bacteria build-up.
- Replace the nectar every 48 hours: Especially during hot weather, this prevents fermentation which can be harmful to hummingbirds.
Our glass hummingbird feeders are designed for easy cleaning and refilling, making it simple to provide a continuous supply of fresh nectar.
Supporting hummingbirds throughout their yearly cycle is a rewarding way to connect with nature and ensure these beautiful birds thrive in your garden. By understanding their needs and maintaining your feeders, you can enjoy the delightful presence of hummingbirds from early spring through late summer.
So, as we move into the latter part of the season, remember to check your feeders, keep them clean, and ensure they are always stocked. Your efforts will be rewarded with the return of these enchanting creatures, adding vibrant life to your garden. They have memories as impressive as an elephant so if you treat them well they will return year after year.
Visit our gallery to explore our unique, hand-crafted hummingbird feeders and other glass art pieces that celebrate the beauty of nature.
Happy hummingbird watching!
