Hummingbird Gardening in Tennessee University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University Extension Knox County Presented by Emily A. Gonzalez

By: Marcia Davis, Extension KCMG and Emily Gonzalez, Extension Agent II

Contents Contents

Why garden for hummingbirds? Creates habitat for hummers and other pollinators. Plants for hummers are aesthetically pleasing. Plants for hummers can be low maintenance and hardy in our summer landscapes. Photo by Paula Cannon/VIREO

Understanding pollinator preferences

Hummer habitat Ruby-throats often nest in forests and woodlands or in “edge habitat” during spring. They favor riparian woodland areas.

Hummer diet Flower nectar and insects Mostly insects during nesting season Homemade 25% sugar water supplied by humans Image from Wild Birds Unlimited

All season hummers Fall frenzy: migration period, lasts early July through October Winter wanderers: November through late March Spring migration: late March to mid-May Summer nesting: Early May through July

Fall frenzy Starts now, peaks mid-August to early September The most prolific hummingbird viewing season Hummers feeding heavily on flower nectar and sugar water.

Winter wanderers Mostly rufous hummingbirds They select yards with late-blooming, nectar- bearing flowers such as salvias. Birds love taking cover in evergreen trees! Photo from allaboutbirds.org

Spring migration Get your feeders ready by April 1. Red buckeye is a favorite spring bloomer. Just look at those flowers: perfect tubular shape and red color. A warm way to welcome the hummers.

Summer nesting… Photo from hummingworlds.com Photo from fosterparrots.com cute, cute, cute. cute, cute, cute.

Summer nesting Hummers are elusive as they nest. Mothers are stocking up on protein (insects) instead of sugars (feeder). Keep an eye on your feeder, nonetheless, and keep your flowers blooming! Photo from pbase.com Ruby-throated hummingbird feeding on Agastache ‘Desert Sunrise.’ Common name: hummingbird mint

Flowering favorites Canna lily by EG

Next steps Select favorite perennials for fall planting. Plan to coordinate flowering annuals with spring planting. Find ways to protect your hummingbird garden from cats. Don’t sabotage your hummers!

Resources and reference

ublications/Documents/W305.pdf

What did you learn? (learning outcomes) Put out banana peels for insects They eat insects! Pollinator preferences Sugar water solution mimics natural nectar Tubular shaped flower preference Feeder out by april 1 st Plant recommendations Hummers will eat your fruit flys

What will you do? (behavioral outcomes) Try a mister Try white milk jug Banana peel Share info with someone