Welcome back hummingbirds

Each spring, ruby-throated hummingbirds make a long flight to the United States and Canada from their habitats in Central and South America. There is good reason why we first see only the flashy, jewel-necked males when they get to Illinois.

The males travel north before the females in order to secure the best piece of “property” in hopes of attracting a mate when the females arrive later. Our initial visitors are usually on their way to Canada.

You cannot make a mistake in identifying this bird, as it is the only species of hummingbird found in Illinois. There are approximately 15 species in the United States.

At less than an ounce, the hummingbird is our smallest bird visitor. They can consume twice their body weight daily. This energy allows them to continue the rigorous flight patterns for which they are known. The ruby-throated hummingbird beats its wings over 90 times per second, creating their humming sound.

Their nest can be as small as a thimble and is often created with lichen held together by spider webs. Sometimes in the process of robbing the spider of its work, the hummer will also eat the spider. The two petite eggs laid in the nest are a pearly white.

In order to capture the eye of your migrant hummingbirds, and keep them around until garden flowers are blooming in mass, you may want to create a feeding station.

You never have to go to the store for the pre-made hummingbird food. Simply make a sugar-water solution of four parts water to one part sugar and heat it on the stove until all the sugar is dissolved; no need to let it boil.

Cool the mixture and put small a amount into a hummingbird feeder. The rest of your mixture can be stored in the refrigerator. There is no need to fill them full because you need to empty and clean them every few days.

Keep your containers clean using a mild vinegar and water solution to discourage any mold in the bottles. Do not use red food coloring as most feeders have red on them. The dye could be harmful to the little creatures.

Planting lots of warm colored tubular flowers, such as impatiens, tithonia, native honey suckle, nasturtiums and columbine, is the best way to keep the ruby-throated hummingbirds in your yard. Hummingbirds also are attracted to moving water such as waterfalls, fountains and especially misters.

Nothing is more exciting than the first arrival of such a tiny character to your yard, so get those feeders out now to capture a little bit of winged hope.

Plant native flowers, supplement with feeders, create a water source and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in your yard for the whole summer.

To watch the progression of migration of the ruby-throated hummingbirds go to journeynorth.org where you can also watch our monarchs traveling toward Illinois.

For a list of native plants that attract hummingbirds, go to University of Illinois Extension website at extension.illinois.edu/bdo and search the Energy and Environment program page.

Peggy Doty is a University of Illinois Extension environmental and energy stewardship educator.