Creating a hummingbird sanctuary in the Pacific Northwest is a rewarding way to connect with local wildlife, while transforming your backyard into a vibrant habitat for these tiny, energetic birds. By selecting native plants and catering to the specific needs of hummingbirds in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California, you can create an inviting haven for these incredible creatures. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow your hummingbird sanctuary.
1. Select Native, Nectar-Rich Plants: Maximizing Food Sources
In the Pacific Northwest, using native plants that provide nectar year-round is crucial for supporting hummingbirds. Local hummingbird species, such as the Anna’s hummingbird, can be present throughout the year, while migratory species like Rufous hummingbirds rely on these food sources during their seasonal journeys.
Understanding Hummingbird Flower Preferences
Hummingbirds are drawn to brightly colored, tubular-shaped flowers, which align with their vision and feeding style. They are especially attracted to reds, pinks, and oranges, and rely on a continuous source of nectar throughout the seasons.
Top Native Plant Species for a Thriving Sanctuary
Focus on plants native to the Pacific Northwest, which are best suited to the local climate and wildlife. Native species are low-maintenance and will naturally thrive, providing reliable food sources for hummingbirds.
Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum)
One of the earliest blooming plants in the region, this shrub offers red or pink blossoms in early spring, providing a vital nectar source for migrating hummingbirds.
Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa)
This native perennial has red and yellow flowers that bloom in spring and early summer, attracting hummingbirds with its delicate, nodding blossoms.
Orange honeysuckle (Lonicera ciliosa)
This Pacific Northwest native is perfect for trellises or fences, producing bright orange, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds in late spring and summer.
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Native penstemons, such as Penstemon barbatus and Penstemon serrulatus, produce tubular red, blue, or purple flowers, providing nectar throughout summer.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
While some salvias are non-native, species like Salvia spathacea (hummingbird sage) are native to California and grow well in Northern California gardens, attracting hummingbirds with their vibrant red flowers.
By incorporating these and other native species into your garden, you can provide a constant supply of nectar. Combine early bloomers like flowering currant with late bloomers like autumn sage (Salvia greggii), which thrives in Northern California and offers nectar into fall.
2. Provide a Consistent Water Source: Hydration and Hygiene for Hummingbirds
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need access to clean water for both drinking and bathing. Providing a shallow, moving water source can mimic the natural environment they prefer.
Creating the Ideal Water Source
- Misters: Hummingbirds enjoy flying through mist for a quick cool-down. Set up a mister near a birdbath or in a garden bed to create a fine spray of water that hummingbirds can hover in.
- Drippers: Attach a dripper to a shallow basin or birdbath, providing a gentle stream of fresh water. This movement will attract hummingbirds and help prevent stagnant water from becoming a mosquito breeding ground.
- Fountains or Bubblers: A shallow fountain with a low bubbler can attract hummingbirds, as they prefer moving water. The trickling sound will also help draw birds from a distance.
Regularly clean your water sources to avoid algae, mold, and bacteria, which can be harmful to hummingbirds.
3. Perfecting the Placement of Feeders: Supplementing Nature’s Bounty
Nectar-rich plants can sometimes be scarce, especially in colder months or during migration. Using feeders can help ensure that hummingbirds have a reliable food source year-round.
Crafting the Perfect Hummingbird Food
The ideal nectar recipe mimics the natural sugars found in flowers. Below are a few customer favorite nectars.
Hummingbird Clear Nectar Mix, 24 oz.
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Best-1 Hummingbird Nectar, 14 oz.
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Sweet Nectar Ready to Use Hummingbird Food, 750 ml.
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Perky-Pet 244SFB Concentrated Instant Nectar, 2 lb Bag
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Sweet Nectar Hummingbird Food, Concentrate, 750 ml.
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Feeder Placement Tips
- Height: Hang feeders 4-6 feet off the ground and at varying heights to attract different species.
- Shade: Position feeders in shaded areas to prevent the nectar from spoiling quickly due to heat.
- Visibility: Place feeders near brightly colored plants to make them more visible to passing hummingbirds. This encourages natural foraging behavior alongside feeder use.
Clean feeders every 2-3 days in warmer months and at least weekly in cooler months to prevent mold growth and keep the nectar fresh.
Gold Crest, Red Hummer Ring
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Perk-Pet, Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder, 8 oz
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Audubon, Strawberry Hummingbird Feeder, 40 oz
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Perky-Pet, Lavender Field Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder, 16 oz
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Perky-Pet, Handheld/Tabletop Hummingbird Feeder, 2 oz
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4. Creating Shelter and Nesting Sites: A Place for Rest and Reproduction
Hummingbirds need more than just food and water—they also require shelter for resting and nesting. Incorporate dense shrubs, small trees, and climbing vines into your garden to provide safe spaces for them.
Ideal Plants for Shelter
Native trees like bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), Pacific willow (Salix lucida), and red alder (Alnus rubra) offer excellent perching and nesting spots. These trees also support a healthy insect population, an important protein source for hummingbirds.
Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor) and salal (Gaultheria shallon) are native shrubs that offer dense foliage, providing protective cover for hummingbirds.
Consider adding artificial perches or hummingbird swings near feeders, giving hummingbirds a place to rest between feedings.
5. Avoiding Pesticides: A Safe and Healthy Environment
Pesticides are harmful to hummingbirds, as they eliminate insects, a vital part of their diet, and can contaminate nectar sources. In the Pacific Northwest, where native ecosystems thrive, it’s best to use organic gardening practices.
Encouraging Natural Pest Control
Beneficial insects: Support populations of ladybugs, lacewings, and spiders, which naturally control pests without harming hummingbirds.
Companion planting: Plants like marigolds and nasturtiums can repel pests and enhance the biodiversity of your garden.
By fostering a balanced ecosystem, you can maintain a pest-free garden that’s safe for hummingbirds and other wildlife.
6. Maintaining Your Sanctuary Year-Round: Adapting to Seasonal Changes
In regions like Oregon and Washington, where Anna’s hummingbirds may overwinter, and Northern California, where migratory species pass through, your sanctuary can provide a haven throughout the year.
Winter Care
During the colder months, offer feeders and late-blooming plants like heath (Erica spp.) or manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) to provide hummingbirds with nectar when natural sources are limited. Use heated feeders or bring them inside at night to prevent freezing.
7. Enhancing the Visual Appeal of Your Sanctuary
Beyond plants and feeders, you can enhance your sanctuary with colorful accents like ribbons or wind spinners. These moving, vibrant objects can catch a hummingbird’s eye from a distance and draw them to your garden.
8. Patience and Observation: The Key to Success
Creating a hummingbird sanctuary takes time, but the rewards are immense. Once hummingbirds discover your garden, they will return each year, relying on your plants and feeders as vital stops during their migrations. Be patient, observe their behavior, and adapt your garden to better meet their needs. By carefully selecting native plants, providing clean water, and maintaining feeders, you can transform your Pacific Northwest or Northern California backyard into a hummingbird sanctuary. With time and care, your garden will become a vibrant, buzzing oasis that supports these remarkable birds year-round.
