Hummingbirds are here! These migratory jewels come to Indiana each Spring. We were amazed to learn that humminbirds remember the feeders and flower patches that they visit over their lifetime – and they’ll return to the same ones over and over. We feel inspired to plant more pollinator plants this Spring, and add some feeders!
If you’re wishing you had a hummingbird feeder (or another one!), here are a few that you can make at home:
- An easy DIY hummingbird feeder that’s fun for kids of all ages. It shows how to make the feeder with an empty peanut butter jar and just a few other household items (like a bread tie). Note: the host uses a sodering iron – but you can use a hammer (with a medium sized nail) or a drill (with a 1/8″ drill bit).
- A fancier DIY hummingbird feeder for adults or older kids. It only takes a few supplies – but you will need some epoxy. If you don’t have this, try super glue. Otherwise you will likely have everything else on hand!
Ready to learn more about hummingbirds?
- We loved this 4-minute video about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. There are hundreds of species of hummingbirds, but the Ruby-throated is the only one that breeds in eastern North America. Here’s another neat video about hummingbirds out West, from National Geographic.
- If you would rather read, or check out maps and such: Learn more about hummingirds by clicking here!
And last but definitely not least, we hope you will plant native wildflowers that hummingbirds need for foraging and feeding their young. We know that’s a little tricky since we’re all staying at home right now. If you haven’t ordered plants from a native plant sale already, you might just do a little research about what you want to plant next year!
- Here’s a guide to adding native wildflowers for hummingbirds. In addition to cardinal flower, we suggest bee balm! Happy planting and planning.
Photo by Angela Eveslage, from our Nature & Farm Photo Contest
