The north side of our front yard is a certified National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat. Really! We have a certificate! You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young. It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit. I have a series of posts to show you our Garden Guests.
If you would like to see more, please take a look at my Gardening Page
My pretty little guest is a female Ruby Throated Hummingbird. This feeder hangs on our back porch near a pot of Red Cypress Vine.
The seeds were a gift from my friend, Lois, who is originally from Louisiana. Lois told me Red Cypress Vine can grow quite aggressively in deep Southern states. Here in Arkansas, it is a lovely annual that blooms in late Summer and early Fall. Since Hummers are attracted to trumpet shapes and the color red, this is a perfect plant for inviting them to visit! They will cruise the feeders and, of course, the plants in my garden. Their favorites seem to be a couple of Native Honeysuckles and native cross vine. I’ve written about cross vine before HERE and THERE. They also enjoy our Red Buckeye Tree in early Spring.
‘Such a pretty little guest!
I’d like to give you one more hummingbird tip. Notice there is a goopy something on the hanger of the feeder? As clean feeders are placed each week, I add a thick layer of petroleum jelly a couple of inches wide to the hangers. This discourages ants. They won’t touch petroleum jelly.
What’s happening in your back yard?
😉 -Marci
