Our Bird of the Month for July is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, the main hummingbird you’ll see in the Midwest! While cute and speedy, they can also be pretty territorial and take ownership of feeders, finding places to perch and watch over their domain. And they do, in fact, enjoy our copper swings!

What do they eat?

Though your sugar water is helpful, the most beneficial food right now is insects and spiders! If you’re leaving out fruit for the orioles, any fruit flies you attract will make a great meal for our hummingbird friends.

Staff Thoughts

Michelle enjoys seeing them on her walks. She’s patiently waiting for them to visit her feeder more often.

Angela is happy with the few that migrate through and fuel up, but she’s working on attracting them to stay longer.

Nick credits hummingbirds as the main inspiration that got him interested in birds. He’s always looking for ways to keep them happy.

Liv had a very cool observation while visiting the nature center: she saw a sapsucker for the first time! Immediately after he departed, hummingbirds came to enjoy the sap from the hole he made.

Ginger sees them occasionally visiting her fuchsia hanging planter.

Julie’s feeder not only feeds the hummingbirds but also a mama deer that she has named Esme.

Nat’s backyard is dedicated to being a haven for pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies!