Hummingbirds are one of the backyard birder’s most coveted visitors! With their brilliant plumage and dazzling flight patterns, it’s no wonder that we try our hardest to attract more hummingbirds to our yards every year. Besides putting up a hummingbird feeder and using homemade nectar, another way to appeal to hummingbirds is to plant their favorite flowers in a garden, hanging basket, or container around your home.

Two important notes: 1) If you’ll be planting native perennials or annuals, be sure to check your hardiness zone! Native plants are great for your garden because they attract native insects, don’t need artificial fertilizers or pesticides, and are preferred by birds and other wildlife. 2) If you plant seed-bearing plants, don’t prune them back at the end of the season to attract even more wild birds. Non-migratory birds love to eat the seeds from the spent flowers, especially in the wintertime when other food sources are scarce.

Try filling your garden with a few of these beautiful blooms to bring more hummingbirds to your home this season!

1. Bee balm

Bee balm is one of the hummingbirds’ favorite flowers! This tubular perennial is easy to care for and gives off a fresh minty aroma. Blooms occur in mid-summer, and you can stimulate a second flowering by deadheading the flower buds immediately after they’ve finished blooming to give the hummingbirds some extra nectar as they prepare for fall migration.

2. Columbine

Columbine is the perfect plant to attract the first hummingbirds of season! Its nectar-filled spurs attract a variety of pollinators and coincides with the return of migratory hummingbirds around May. If columbine is on your list, make sure you plant it early to take full advantage of its spring blooms!

3. Petunia

Petunias produce a sugary nectar that hummingbirds love. Their vast color variety makes them an attractive choice to add color to your garden, hanging baskets, or containers. Place them near your hummingbird feeder for best chance of hummingbird sightings!

4. Zinnia

Zinnias are a great choice for adding colorful blooms to your summer garden and are well-loved by hummingbirds. As a bonus, each zinnia head is packed with seeds which are a favorite of finches!

5. Butterfly bush

The flowers from the butterfly bush not only attract butterflies but are especially attractive to hummingbirds because of their high nectar count. These hardy bushes come in a variety of colors that are sure to bring bright blooms and hummingbirds to your garden. Look for the gorgeous tri-color variant for even more bursts of color!

6. Salvia

This drought-loving perennial is the perfect choice for warmer, dry climates. Hummingbirds love the tubular shape of its flowers and the sweet nectar insides. If you reside in a cooler climate, you can still plant salvia as an annual in the summertime after the first frost, or choose a variety that works well for your hardiness zone.

7. Penstemon (Beardtongue)

Penstemon, or desert beardtongue, thrives in hot, sunny, dry climates. This springtime bloomer brings much-needed nectar to hummingbirds early in the season as they migrate north. Ranging in color from pinks and reds to purples, hummingbirds love the tubular shape of the flowers, making penstemon a great addition to a drought tolerant garden.

8. Hummingbird mint (Agastache)

What’s not to love about hummingbird mint? As the name suggests, hummingbirds are attracted to the brightly colored flowers, high nectar count, and tubular flower shape of the hummingbird mint plant. An added bonus: this hardy perennial detracts unwanted garden pests like rabbits and deer!

9. Delphinium (larkspur)

Delphinium is a versatile plant that can be used as an annual or perennial in containers and gardens. Its tall blooms both attract hummingbirds and detract deer, rabbits, and groundhogs, making it a great option for gardeners with an eye on pests. Typically available in purple, blue, or white, delphinium also comes in a dwarf variety that requires less maintenance.

10. Trumpet honeysuckle

Trumpet honeysuckle is an attractive vine that is favored by hummingbirds due to its bright and tubular-shaped flowers. Be aware that this vine has a tendency to spread quickly, so regular pruning is required to keep it in the location you desire. This showy perennial is best grown in dry, arid climates where it’s less likely to spread.

These 10 plants provide a good basis for a hummingbird and pollinator garden. To find more plant options that are native to your area, you can search Audubon's native plants database or take a look at the Pollinator Partnership planting guides. And check out these 12 plants to attract even more wild birds to your yard!

Looking for more ways to make your yard an oasis for birds and wildlife? With the right plants, you can provide seeds, nectar, insects, nesting materials, and shelter for your backyard birds all season long!

Two important notes: 1) Select plants that are native to your area. These plants will attract native insects, don’t need artificial fertilizers or pesticides, and are preferred by birds and other wildlife. 2) For seed-bearing plants, don’t prune them back at the end of the season. Non-migratory birds love to eat the seeds from the spent flowers, especially in the wintertime when other food sources are scarce.

Try planting a few of these flowers, bushes, and trees that not only bring colorful foliage and blooms to your yard but will attract a wide variety of wild birds!

1. Sunflower

One of the most broadly loved seed-providing flowers is the sunflower. But not all types of sunflower will produce edible seed for wild birds. Look for the Mammoth Grey Stripe, Paul Bunyan, or Aztec Gold varieties when planting sunflowers to attract birds.

Attracts: Cardinals, Hummingbirds, Orioles, Finches, Titmice, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Grosbeaks, Woodpeckers

2. Red Mulberry Tree

The red mulberry tree produces blackberry-like fruits that provide plentiful amounts of vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. The leaves also attract insects that some wild birds eat to round out their diets, like silkworms.

Attracts: Cardinals, Hummingbirds, Orioles, Jays, Grosbeaks, Finches, Bluebirds, Woodpeckers

3. American Elderberry

The American Elderberry is a handsome shrub that produces both bright white flowers and small, dark berries. Elderberry flowers bloom in the spring, which brings insects that attract omnivorous wild birds. And in the fall, the bush provides dark and delicious berries that many birds love.

Attracts: Cardinals, Bluebirds, Finches, Titmice, Grosbeaks, Orioles

4. Aster

The aster flower makes a perfect addition to any autumn garden! This late-blooming star-shaped flower blooms in purple, white, and blue and will attract beneficial pollinators with their nectar. The seed heads are a favorite for many types of songbirds.

Attracts: Cardinals, Finches, Titmice, Chickadees, Nuthatches

5. Coneflower

The perennial coneflower attracts a wide variety of native pollinators who feed on the sweet nectar inside. Once the flowers are done blooming, don’t prune them. Birds love to eat the seeds from the spent flowers, especially in the wintertime when other food sources are scarce.

Attracts: Cardinals, Finches, Chickadees, Jays

6. Serviceberry Tree (Juneberry)

In the springtime, the serviceberry tree booms with beautiful snowy white flowers which attract insects that attract wild birds. By early summer, the tree produces purple and red berries which are nutrient-dense and appeal to a wide variety of birds.

Attracts: Hummingbirds, Orioles, Grosbeaks, Bluebirds, Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks

7. Sumac

Besides providing stunning orange, red, and burgundy foliage in the fall, the sumac shrub produces flower clusters and berries that last from late summer through the winter.

Attracts: Titmice, Chickadees, Jays, Nuthatches, Finches, Jays, Woodpeckers, Cardinals

8. Zinnias

Zinnias are a great choice for adding colorful blooms to your summer garden and are well-loved by hummingbirds. Each zinnia head is packed with seeds, which are a favorite of finches!

Attracts: Hummingbirds, Finches

9. Virginia Creeper

The virginia creeper is a climbing vine that boasts bold green leaves in the summer that turn flaming red orange in the fall. In autumn, it produces clusters of dark berries that resemble grapes, and although irritating to humans if consumed, many species of birds enjoy the fruit.

Attracts: Bluebirds, Grosbeaks, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Jays, Bluebirds

10. Blazing Star

Blooming in beautiful pink and purple clusters in the late summer months, the blazing star flower attracts insects and provides seeds, which both attract wild birds like titmice, chickadees, and finches.

Attracts: Titmice, Chickadees, Finches

11. Goldenrod

Whether you consider it a wildflower or a weed, there’s no debate that goldenrod is a valuable source of nectar, insects, and seeds for birds and other wildlife. Blooming from August to October, this perennial can continue to provide cover and seeds for birds throughout the winter.

Attracts: Titmice, Chickadees, Finches, Wrens, Juncos,

12. Black-eyed Susan

An early summer bloomer, black-eyed susan will attract a myriad of insects that are favored by insectivorous birds. The seed heads also provide tiny dark seeds which attract a variety of wild bird species.

Attracts: Nuthatches, Grosbeaks, Finches, Chickadees, Cardinals

These 12 plants provide a good basis for a bird-friendly yard and garden. To find more plant options that are native to your area, you can search Audubon's native plants database or take a look at the Pollinator Partnership planting guides.

Have you decorated your porch or lawn to celebrate the season? Once the holidays are over, don’t throw away those pumpkins, corn stalks or straw bales! We have the ultimate list of ideas to give your old fall décor a new purpose by transforming it into food and shelter for birds and other backyard critters this season.

Designed to attract a wide variety and volume of birds year-round, a bird feeding station is the ultimate one-stop shop for your backyard birds. It can become an attractive part of your landscape that provides the birds with nutrition, shade, and a safe environment. Follow these steps to choose the right location and learn about what basic elements should be included in a bird feeding station.

1.    Choose a location

Whether it’s in an existing landscape or a whole new area you’ll be creating for your bird feeding station, think about where you spend your time both indoors and out. Walk around inside your house and position yourself in the spots you spend the most time in. You’ll want to choose a location where you can easily view your birding station through a window to get the most enjoyment out of it. If you plan to keep up your bird feeding station throughout the winter months, you may want to choose a location that you won’t mind navigating to in undesirable weather.

Above all else, the location of your bird feeding station should make the birds feel safe and at home. Birds are likely to feed more comfortably when near natural cover like trees, shrubs, or other vegetation. This provides shelter for birds to view their feeding area so they can see any predators while waiting for their turn to feed. Remember to keep the feeders roughly 10-12 feet from any tree or obstacle to deter unwanted pests from reaching the seed. To help prevent fatal window collisions, feeders should be hung or mounted closer than 3 feet or farther than 15 feet from a window.

2.    Install a hanging method

Wherever you decide to hang your bird feeders, it’s important to choose a hanging method that is durable and sturdy. There are an abundance of decorative and simple types of yard poles and hooks available, from a traditional shepherd’s hook to a completely customizable and adjustable hook and display system like the AdjustaPole Yard Kit. You may choose to install several hooks of varying heights for visual interest. Or you could make it a statement area with a pergola or decorative trellis with hooks and spaces for feeders to be hung.

If you’ll be placing your bird feeder in an area with lots of squirrel activity, a pole baffle can be used to prevent squirrels or other pests from climbing up a pole or jumping down onto the feeders from above.

Note: We do not recommend hanging bird feeders from tree branches as this can give squirrels and pests easy access to the feeder content.

3.    Select your bird feeders

Now comes the fun part – adding your feeders! Consider which birds you want to try and attract to your bird feeding station. Platform, tube and hopper bird feeders can accommodate several different seed types and will attract a wide variety of birds, while specialty feeders like hummingbird, Oriole and Bluebird are made to attract more specific bird types. And don’t forget about suet feeders! Suet is a great high energy option to offer the birds in the winter months but can also be fed throughout the year to attract woodpeckers and other birds. If squirrels are a known issue in your yard, you could consider putting up squirrel proof feeders to help deter them.

Be sure to choose feeders with features that will make it easy for you to keep clean and is safe, comfortable and healthy for the birds. For more help finding the right bird feeders for your yard, take a look at our bird feeder guide.

4.    Provide a water source

The secret ingredient to any bird feeding station is a fresh source of water. All birds drink water and need to bathe regularly to keep their feathers clean. Providing a consistent source of clean and fresh water from a bird bath, fountain or a shallow pond will keep your backyard birds happy so they return regularly. Plus, even birds who don’t typically eat from bird feeders do need a water source which will increase the variety of birds who visit your bird feeding station. It’s important to keep your water source clean and change the water often to prevent bacteria from forming and spreading amongst the birds. If your water source is stagnant, you can add a fountain to keep the water moving and prevent it from becoming dirty quickly.

5.    Plant the right plants

Depending on the feeders you choose and the type of birds you’re trying to attract, try to plant a few complementary native plants near your birding station. Native plants can provide the birds with additional nutrition from fruit, seeds, nectar and insects who inhabit the plant. Birds are more comfortable feeding when they have shelter or a quick hiding place nearby. Do some research on the birds in your area and find out which flowers, bushes and trees they prefer and add some color to your bird feeding station! 

Note: It is advised to avoid the use of pesticides on plants since they could eliminate beneficial insects that can improve the health of the plants. Consider adding a beneficial insect house near your birding station as a chemical-free alternative.

6.    Maintain it

Carrying and pouring big heavy bags of bird seed without spilling can be challenging. A bag clip like the Handle-it bag clip can help you transport small and large bags of bird seed from your garage or shed to multiple feeders with ease. The seed can be stored right inside the bag with the secure latching system and screw cap so you don’t have to worry about it spilling or spoiling.

No matter what type of feeders or seeds you provide, routine cleaning of your bird feeding station is an essential step to keep your backyard flocks healthy and avoid spreading diseases among birds. With feeding the birds comes some unavoidable mess like droppings, shelled seed and feathers. Keep the birds happy and healthy by regularly cleaning your feeders, keeping your water sources fresh and tidying up the area.

Some bird feeders and their parts are dishwasher safe and can be placed on the top rack after disassembling. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations before placing any feeder parts into your dishwasher. To wash by hand, typically all you’ll need is unscented dish detergent, a scrubbing brush or sponge and warm water. Take a look at our bird feeder cleaning instructions for further information on why and how often to clean your bird feeders.

Stagnant bird baths can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can spread amongst your backyard birds. Don’t forget to clean and change out your water source on a regular basis whether it’s a bird bath, fountain or shallow dish.

The final step

Enjoy it! If you’ve set up your bird feeding station according to the steps described here, you’ll soon be having birds flock to it year-round. Be sure to have your camera, binoculars and checklists ready to record how many types of visitors you can see in your backyard!

The Handle-it bag clip is the all-in-one solution for using and storing big bulky bags of lawn fertilizer, bird seed, pet food, and more. It’s simple to install, reduces spills and makes it so much easier to lift and carry big, bulky bags using the built-in handle! Make your outdoor and indoor chores less of a hassle with these benefits:

• Built-in handle makes lifting and carrying bags easier
• Built-in funnel and pour spout enable easy precision pouring to reduce mess
• Two-point latching system and screw cap ensure a tight closure
• All-in-one storage solution eliminates the need for additional storage bins
• Fits bags up to 16" wide
• Holds up to 40 pounds
• Dimensions: 5" H x 15.25" W x 3.5" D

For those with a seemingly endless to-do list, here are a few ways that Handle-it can help save you time and energy while keeping you organized.

Gardening

From house plants and patio containers to vegetable gardens and landscapes, the Handle-it bag clip can help you transport heavy bags of soil amendments and plant food to different areas of your house and yard with ease. You don’t need to worry about the bags spilling on the way with the two-point latching system and screw cap. Since Handle-it lets you store the contents right inside the bag, you can keep your garage or shed clean and organized.

Handle-it can help you with:

• Soil amendments
• Plant fertilizer

Lawn Maintenance

Yardwork can be hard work but using the Handle-it bag clip can help you easily move around the yard with heavy bags of lawn care products. Lifting bags of fertilizer and grass seed to pour into a spreader takes less effort with the help of a bag clip. Plus, you don’t have to worry about missing the mark and making a mess since the built-in funnel and pour spout let you pour with precision. And at the end of long day of outdoor chores, the Handle-it bag clip lets you confidently seal and store your bags of lawn maintenance products without worry of them spilling or spoiling.

Handle-it can help you with:

• Fertilizer
• Grass seed
• Ice melt

Pet Owners

Keeping your furry, finned, or equine friends fed is a daily task that can become difficult if you buy pet food or litter in bulk. Large bags of food or litter can be tough to lift and challenging to pour, but the Handle-it bag clip can make it easier with the durable built-in handle, funnel and pour spout. Keep your pet food fresher longer by keeping it tightly sealed right in the bag, eliminating the need for extra storage bins and avoiding the extra time transferring food from the bag to the bin. The Handle-it bag clip has a two-point latching system and screw cap that ensures a tight closure with no risk of spilling.

Handle-it can help you with:

• Dog kibble
• Cat chow
• Clumping cat litter
• Litter pellets
• Horse feed
• Fish food
• Bird seed

Backyard Birding

The Handle-it bag clip was designed with backyard birders in mind to help you carry, pour and store large bags of bird seed. When you use Handle-it, you can transport bulky seed and feed bags to multiple bird feeders in just one trip. With the built-in funnel and pour spout, you pour out the exact amount you need in the precise direction you want it, getting more seed in the bird feeder and less on the ground. The seed can be stored inside the bag with the secure latching system and screw cap so you don’t have to worry about it going bad or making a mess.

Handle-it can help you with:

• Bird seed

More ways to use Handle-it

The uses for Handle-it are seemingly endless! There are surely more solutions that aren’t listed here, but here are a few additional ways the Handle-it bag clip can help you with your chores and hobbies:

• Wood smoker pellets
• Bath salts
• Deer corn
• Crafting supplies like beads, sand, and soy wax pellets

Learn more about how to use and install the Handle-it bag clip.