Hummingbirds are back! Tips & Tricks to take care of your special visitors!
Every year they arrive in areas all over the Lone Star State. Hummingbirds, on their way from their wintertime stay in Mexico to breeding grounds across the United States, pass through Texas every spring and then return south in the fall. Texas offers a chance to spot more than a dozen hummingbird species—you just have to know when and where to look!
When Can You See Hummingbirds in Texas?
Most hummingbirds arrive in Texas between mid-March and early May, and these spring months offer great opportunities to spot hummingbirds across the state. Many hummingbirds stay in Texas to nest during the summer, while others continue to areas farther north.
The southward migration that takes place during August and September offers another great opportunity to see these birds as they return to their winter homes in large numbers. Only a handful of hummingbirds stay in Texas year-round, but an occasional winter sighting is possible.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are among the most commonly seen hummingbirds in Texas, along with black-chinned hummingbirds. Both species nest in Texas before migrating south.
Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Ready to see some of these beautiful little hummingbirds in your yard this year?
1. Add hummingbird-friendly plants. By far, one of the best ways to attract these little birds is by adding plants to your containers and landscape beds that provide the nectar they’re looking for. We have plenty of hummingbird-friendly plants at our Garden Center!
2. Hang a hummingbird feeder. Place a feeder on your porch or in a nearby tree and fill it with fresh hummingbird nectar. Remember to regularly empty, clean, and refill your feeder. Keeping feeders clean and the nectar fresh is especially important during our hot East Texas weather.
3. Provide a water source. Hummingbirds enjoy shallow, moving water. A mister, dripper, or very shallow birdbath can provide them with another reason to visit your yard.
4. Give them time to get comfortable around you. Once hummingbirds become accustomed to visiting your yard, you may be able to observe them from surprisingly close distances. Sit quietly near your feeders and let them become comfortable with your presence.
Got a Hummingbird Bully?
If one territorial hummingbird is dominating your feeder and chasing away the others, adding more feeders can help give everyone a chance to eat.
• Place additional feeders in different areas of your yard and, if possible, out of sight of one another. This makes it more difficult for one territorial bird to guard every feeding location.
• You can also try adding several feeders in the same general area. When enough hummingbirds arrive at once, it can become much harder for one bird to successfully defend them all.
Still unsure or have questions about how to get started? Don’t worry! We have plenty of feeders and hummingbird-friendly plants at The Home & Garden Center. Follow these tips and get humming!