hummingbird gardening in tennessee university of tennessee and tennessee state university extension...
TRANSCRIPT
Hummingbird Gardening in Tennessee
University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University Extension
Knox County
Presented by Emily A. Gonzalez
By: Marcia Davis, Extension KCMG and Emily Gonzalez, Extension Agent II
Contents
Why garden for hummingbirds?
Creates habitat for hummers and other pollinators.
Plants for hummers are aesthetically pleasing.
Plants for hummers can be low maintenance and hardy in our summer landscapes.
Photo by Paula Cannon/VIREO
Understanding pollinator preferences
Hummer habitat
Ruby-throats often nest in forests and woodlands or in “edge habitat” during spring.
They favor riparian woodland areas.
But still, they come to my yard!!
Hummer diet
Flower nectar and insects
Mostly insects during nesting season
Homemade 25% sugar water supplied by humans
Image from Wild Birds Unlimited
All season hummers
Fall frenzy: migration period, lasts early July through October
Winter wanderers: November through late March
Spring migration: late March to mid-May
Summer nesting: Early May through July
Fall frenzy
Starts now, peaks mid-August to early September
The most prolific hummingbird viewing season
Hummers feeding heavily on flower nectar and sugar water.
Winter wanderers
Mostly rufous hummingbirds
They select yards with late-blooming, nectar-bearing flowers such as salvias.
Birds love taking cover in evergreen trees! Photo from allaboutbirds.org
Spring migration
Get your feeders ready by April 1.
Red buckeye is a favorite spring bloomer.
Just look at those flowers: perfect tubular shape and red color. A warm way to welcome
the hummers.
Summer nesting…
Photo from hummingworlds.comPhoto from fosterparrots.com
cute, cute, cute.
Summer nesting
Hummers are elusive as they nest.Mothers are stocking up on protein (insects) instead
of sugars (feeder). Keep an eye on your feeder, nonetheless, and keep your flowers blooming!
Photo from pbase.com
Ruby-throated hummingbird feeding on Agastache ‘Desert Sunrise.’ Common name: hummingbird mint
Flowering favorites
Canna lily by EG
Next steps
Select favorite perennials for fall planting.
Plan to coordinate flowering annuals with spring planting.
Find ways to protect your hummingbird garden from cats. Don’t sabotage your hummers!
Resources and reference
What did you learn? (learning outcomes)
Put out banana peels for insectsThey eat insects!Pollinator preferencesSugar water solution mimics natural nectarTubular shaped flower preferenceFeeder out by april 1st
Plant recommendationsHummers will eat your fruit flys
What will you do? (behavioral outcomes)
Try a misterTry white milk jugBanana peelShare info with someone