Look closely in your garden and you will likely find airborne jewels there.. 

   From early childhood I have had close and personal encounters with the seemingly fearless little birds who hover within inches of one's face. I was delighted earlier this spring to spot one of my little friends perched in the cherry tree in the back yard.  Immediately I 
embarked upon an internet investigation into how one would go  about attracting hummingbirds to the property.  What I found was an extremely well-organized group of hummingbird enthusiasts across
the nation, every one of them ready to provide useful information. 

   It was at this point I decided to give my yard a going over, clean it up and try to attract as many hummingbirds as possible. Fuchsias are a favorite of  hummers because they are brightly colored and heavy producers of nectar.  The color attracts them, and the nectar keeps bringing them back. Early or late in the year, before the blooms are there, a feeder is a good idea.  You'll find them at most nurseries and garden centers.  You can make your own nectar solution by using one part sugar dissolved in four parts water.  Even during the peak nectar season, the little birds will occasionally visit these feeders.  Try and find one that has an ant moat as they are a problem, as is the sugar water if it gets cloudy.  The solution needs to be changed every couple of days, especially during warm weather. 

   Generally though, hummers prefer flower nectar to sugar water. 

   The good news about attracting hummingbirds is that you don’t need to tear everything out of your yard and remodel the landscape.  There is a good chance you already have some appropriate trees and shrubs planted, and have had hummingbirds visiting without your being aware of their presence. 
If you have nothing the hummers like, or if your budget is tight, there are plenty of annual plant species that can be purchased reasonably as either seed or bedding plants.  Some trees, while doing a good job of attracting the birds can actually be a deterrent to viewing them.  They can feed so high
in the tree you may never be aware they are around, much less get a good view of one. 

   The following lists of plants are ones I have chosen.  Keep in mind that flower color is important in attracting these fast flying jewels.  Red and orange are the colors to buy when selecting varieties to plant.  Hummers may learn to go to other colors once they start to visit, but begin with those two colors.  Cultivation techniques are important as well.  If you plant a Scarlet  Runner Bean and let it climb twenty feet up a tree, you lose half the prime  viewing area for the plant.  Whenever possible plant species that grow to eye
level, or consider hanging baskets. (Photo: Tiger Lily)
 

    This list, while not exhaustive, contains some of the more common species
available.  If you are interested in native species, permits can be obtained from the Forest Service for digging plants in our forests.  Ask about and observe digging restrictions.  (You can also purchase native plants from some local nurseries.) 
    Recently while inspecting the seedlings that would eventually provide some lucky hummingbirds a way of life, I was nostalgically rewarded by a visit 
from one that came to sip from the fuchsia hanging basket less than two feet from my head.  I heard the familiar hum and turned to look.  There she was, apparently unafraid and completely confident in her ability to flee should I try
and touch her.  She flitted off then returned a few seconds later, as if to say thanks. 

   My tiny estate is not yet the hummingbird sanctuary I would like to create.  Given a few more weeks when everything begins to mature and flower, the sightings will become more common.  This late in the season, though seeds are cheaper, you should probably look for more mature plants if you want to attract the garden's flying jewells. 

(Illus is a link to the Flight and Flowers collection where this stained glass artwork may be purchased for forty dollars)

Links to more information: 
http://www.hummingbirds.net/ 
http://www.portalproductions.com/h/ 
  
(Siskiyou Nursery has a mail-order service where many native species can be purchased. )

Siskiyou Nursery 
Dept. 1, 2825 Cummings Road, 
Medford, OR 97501 

Text and Tiger Lilly photo  © 2002 Doug Tankersley  Other photos are source links