Hummingbirds typically arrive in Mississippi in March, at the time that red buckeye and native azalea shrubs are in bloom. Since these birds are fiercely territorial, provide various locations of plants throughout the landscape. The extra blooms provide more food and are more noticeable. To attract hummingbirds, it is best to plant a large group of flowering plants rather than a single source. Even if there is little room in the landscape for hummingbird plants, patio containers or hanging baskets are perfectly suitable for attracting these birds. The more types of food plants and environments that are added, an increased variety of birds and other animals will be seen. When this approach is used, it is important to provide plant types that either flower throughout the growing season, or to use combinations of different plants that will extend nectar sources all year long. It is actually unnecessary to provide sugar water feeders when the correct combinations of flowering plants are added to the garden. Because of this, it is very important not to use pesticides on plants when providing for the needs of hummingbirds. They consume spiders and many types of flying insects. Insects are another important source of food, especially during the nesting season. In addition to sugar water, hummingbirds actually need a variety of food types. As with all other birds, hummingbirds should be accommodated for their needs of food, water, shelter, and nesting space. While hummingbirds are easily attracted to an area by hanging a plastic nectar feeder, there are other ways of maintaining the needs for hummingbirds in the garden. It is very important to keep the feeders clean, especially in hot weather, and the mixture should be changed regularly. It is not necessary to add red food coloring to the mixture. Let the mixture cool and fill the feeder. Simply mix one part of refined sugar to four parts of water and boil to dissolve the granules. You can purchase commercially-made hummingbird nectar for the feeder, or make your own. These tiny birds like flashy bright colors, and a red plastic feeder will let the birds know where your garden is located. Hummingbirds can be easily attracted to visit your garden. They return to Mississippi in early spring and leave before the onset of cold weather in fall. Hummingbirds are migratory birds and spend their winters in Central and South America. Only ruby-throated hummingbirds, the most extensive travelers, are known to breed east of the Mississippi river. Hummingbirds are unique to the American continents, and 21 species can be found in North America. The males of these high-octane bundles of energy exhibit beautiful plumage colors of red, pink, bronze, purple, blue, red, and orange. These active birds provide hours of entertainment for children and adults alike and display extraordinary abilities to turn, hover, and fly. Many Mississippi gardeners enjoy attracting hummingbirds to the landscape.
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