When summer temperatures soar, here’s how to help hummingbirds handle hot weather.
We asked experts to share their best tips for supporting these tiny, energetic creatures during heatwaves.
Provide fresh nectar in clean feeders.
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Regular hummingbird feeder maintenance is essential during hot weather.
For temperatures above 100F, Pierce recommends cleaning out feeders and replacing nectar two to three times a day.
Then, rinse and dry the feeder completely before refilling it with fresh nectar.
Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red food coloring, which can harm hummingbirds.
Extra nectar can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Place feeders in shaded areas.
Nack suggests setting up multiple small feeders in different parts of the yard instead of one large feeder.
Provide a water source.
While hummingbirds typically get their daily water needs from nectar,they love water for bathing.
Fresh water is certainly a good practice to provide for hummingbirds, says Pierce.
Hummingbirds particularly love misters they can fly through to clean themselves and cool off, says Nack.
Hummingbirds also use bird baths if they are shallow.
If your bird bath is deep, add stones to create a shallow area for the tiny creatures.
As with feeders, alwaysensure that bird bath water is fresh and cleanto prevent the spread of diseases.
When temperatures rise, hummingbirds need access to shaded areas to escape the heat.
Tofind hummingbird-friendly plantsnative to your area, contact your local extension office.
Wildlife rehabilitators can be found by calling your states Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Avoid handling the bird more than necessary and keep pets and children away to reduce additional stress.
