Easy Tricks For City Dwellers To Attract Hummingbirds To Their Apartment Balcony

If you live in an apartment in a busy city, you may assume that hummingbirds cannot be attracted to your space. After all, aren't they only lured to large yards with lots of vegetation? However, this actually isn't the case. In fact, even if you only have a tiny balcony on a high floor, you can still attract hummingbirds to your space. To do so, you need to complete a couple key steps. First, include items that will draw them in, like red accents and perches. Then, plant flowers and hang feeders that will make them want to stay and take a drink.

If you know anything about what hummingbirds love, you know that these steps aren't all that different from those required to attract hummingbirds to a garden. However, we've provided some tips that will specifically help those with small balconies turn their spaces into hummer paradises. Further, you should also take extra precautions to prevent the birds from flying into your windows and injuring themselves. This can especially be a danger on balconies, since your feeders and flowers will likely be quite close to your windows. To protect hummingbirds, add decals, paint, or tape to the glass. You can also attach a springy net that they'll bounce off if they hit the glass, or you can regularly shut your blinds or curtains to reduce the reflection.

The first step to attracting hummingbirds to your city balcony is to add red accents around the space. Though they also appreciate orange and pink tones, hummers have been found to be most attracted to this color because red flowers often contain lots of nectar. Some of the most clever ways to add red around your space to attract hummingbirds include tying ribbons to light fixtures and railings, adding red faux florals, and decorating with outdoor ornaments in the color. For instance, you could attach these four decorative ladybugs, which are on Amazon and cost under $13, to the exterior of your apartment. Also, consider adding red furniture or larger items, too.

Perches can also be beneficial for hummers because they give them a place to rest, thereby increasing their chances of staying on your balcony longer. For a simple solution, try bending a wire clothing hanger and wrapping it around your railing. Another more decorative option is to make one out of a small dowel rod or stick and some craft wire. The stick or rod must be small enough in diameter for the hummingbirds to be able to wrap their claws around it. Simply wrap two pieces of the craft wire around the two ends of the rod, then tie the two wire pieces together at the top and create a loop to hang it up. Another option is to purchase a two-pack of metal swings from Amazon for $18.

Even more important than adding red accents and perches, you must also include flowers and feeders that will keep the hummingbirds coming back for more nectar. If you skip this step, you likely won't see any feathered friends at all. When choosing the right florals, consider adding flowers that hummingbirds absolutely love. These are often red and tubular. Good options include fuchsias, lupines, coral honeysuckle blooms (Lonicera sempervirens), beardtongues (Penstemon), and Indian pinks (Spigelia marilandica). An additional tip is to place these flowers inside red planters. If they require sun but most of your balcony is shaded, consider attaching them to your railing with something like a RailScapes plant clip, available on PlantTraps for $20.

Finally, ensure you also provide your hummingbirds with feeders. These can either be hung on your balcony from a feeder hook or attached to your window with suction cups, depending on the type. If you want a suction cup type, consider one from Chewy that comes with a built-in perch and costs $40. To ensure the sugar water inside is fresh, change it out every day or every other day if it's in the sun. In the shade, replace it at least every four days. Once your balcony is set up, be patient, watch closely, and wait for the hummers to visit.