How Your Texas Garden Can Help Hummingbirds Finish The Last Leg Of Their Migration Journey

Imagine a creature lighter than a penny taking a journey well over hundreds of miles just to survive the winter. This is exactly what millions of hummingbirds do each year. They travel right through Texas to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America to the south. This epic journey pushes their tiny bodies to their limits and requires a tremendous amount of energy. For these birds, finding a garden full of nectar-rich flowers on their way is not just a refueling station but the determining factor for whether they live or die. The challenge is even harder for young and inexperienced hummingbirds who are taking on this journey for the very first time. 

Therefore, by adding flowers that will transform your space into a hummingbird heaven, Texas gardeners can play a very important role in helping these birds finish their migration journey. It can serve as a lifeline for these tiny creatures by supplying a continuous source of nectar, especially from August to September. During these times, the migratory traffic is at its peak, and having more nectar-filled gardens along their route increases their chances of survival.

For some hummingbirds, the resources they find in Texas determine whether or not they will be able to continue their migration journeys. Take, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, for example. These birds cross the entire Gulf of Mexico in one go, without any stops. But before they does that, they stop in Texas and find a way to fatten up and build reserves. That is why, if you live in Texas and want to help, you should follow these smart ways to draw more hummingbirds into your garden. You can start by adding dense shrubs and trees. These provide safe perching and resting spots to hummingbirds, which is just as important as finding food.

Also, you want to plant a diverse range of species, not just one. It will offer a steady supply of nectar and support populations of small bugs, which also make up a vital part of a hummingbird's diet. You can also consider adding feeders to your garden, especially during periods of drought or heavy migration. The safest nectar recipe for feeders is to mix one-part white sugar with four parts water.  

Keep the feeders clean and change the solution every few days to prevent the growth of harmful mold and fungus. Lastly, consider placing several small feeders in separate areas of the yard, rather than one big one. Hummingbirds can sometimes be territorial, and you don't want these tiny guys ahead of such a long, tiresome journey.

As a key migratory stop, Texas supports many species of hummingbird, such as Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Black-chinned. When deciding what plants to grow, it always helps to look into native species, as they offer a sustainable approach to attracting hummingbirds. Native Texas species offer the greatest success as they are adapted to the local environment, and you will have no trouble growing and maintaining them. A great option is Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii). This hardy perennial offers bright red flowers that keep blooming well into the fall. Also, it tolerates shade and poor soil, so you will be able to enjoy the company of hummingbirds without any worries.

Firebush (Hamelia patens) is another great option. It loves Texas heat and has tubular flowers that fit perfectly with the bills and tongues of migrating hummingbirds. For people who live in water-scarce or drought-prone areas, Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus) could be a great option. It is able to produce prolific amounts of red and orange flowers, even during periods of drought. 

Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) is a Texas favorite. It produces blooms almost continuously from spring to fall, offering a continuous supply of nectar. And if the plants mentioned above don't work for your garden, other notable Texas native plants to attract hummingbirds include Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa), Texas Betony (Stachys coccinea), and Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora).