Minnesota migrating hummingbirds begin leaving the state as early as August, migrating south. They typically are gone from Minnesota by September.

By The Numbers:

• 3 ¾: Average length in inches. Its bill adds another inch
• 1 1/10: Weight in ounces
• 60 to 80: Number of times their wings beat each second in average flight
• 500: Heartbeats per minute of a resting hummingbird
• 80: Percent each day that is spent at rest
• 1500 to 3000: Number of flowers a hummingbird may visit a day

Hummingbirds depend on the quick energy provided by flower nectar to fuel their turbo-charge lifestyles. They look for red, orange, and bright pink colors, but also take to blues, purples, yellows and even whites. Colorful hanging baskets are a great way to lure these birds toward decks and patios so you can see them better.  

Have you ever wondered why color attracts these birds? It is because they have little to no sense of smell. They look for bright colors and tubular shapes to probe with their long beaks and equally long tongue.  

You can also use nectar feeders as a supplemental food source. Choose an easy-to-clean feeder with a clear plastic bowl so you can see the nectar level. Buy a feeder without yellow parts, since yellow attracts bees and wasps. As long as some part of the feeder is red, you don’t need to add red food coloring, which may harm the birds.  

Make your own nectar by adding 4 cups boiling water to 1 cup sugar (never use honey). Mix and store in the refrigerator. In hot weather clean the feeder and replace the sugar water every few days. Cleanliness is the most important factor in hummingbird feeding. If you don’t think you have the time to focus on cleaning your feeders, then let the flowers in your garden do the work.