Every Yard Needs Zinnias

Throw the seeds out there and they bring you bright flowers that are resistant to disease and most pests, while they attract "good guys."

Hummingbirds Like Blue, Too

While red is the traditional color that attracts hummingbirds, they like blue, too. This one is feeding on black and blue salvia.

Hummingbird Nest

Can you see it? Mother hummingbird was nearby, keeping an eye on me.

Hummingbird Lunch

I love seeing these little birds in my yard. I hang feeders, but I've also planted a lot of flowers to invite them to visit. This agastache is one of their favorites.

Hummingbird Perched

I waited near the backyard feeder last night to get a few photos, but the two birds buzzing around preferred the the plant goodies: bee balm, delphinium, honeysuckle and zinnias. I think the one above is a juvenile male black-chinned.

Hummingbird Sticking Out His Tongue

Male black-chinned hummingbird. There must have been tasty little bugs flying around, or a sweet mist going on, because he sat here "tasting" the air for several minutes.

Still Waiting

Hummingbirds usually return to our yard about May 1st. I put up feeders last weekend, but haven't seen any customers yet. Hummingbird food recipe: 1 part sugar, 4 parts water. No need to add coloring, or boil. Just stir to dissolve the sugar. I refresh the feeders once a week early in the season and about every 2-3 days when it gets hot.

New Hummingbird Customer

We've seen mostly black-chinned and rufous birds at the feeders this year, this could be either one, or maybe something else? It showed up over the weekend. Any confirmations? I want to say calliope, because it looks baby-ish, but it seems late in the season for that type to be in Boise.

Hummingbird Perch

They don't stay still for photos very often. This hummingbird was on top of the wisteria vine.

Male Black Chinned Hummingbird

He's a bit in the shadows, but you can just make out that this is a male black chinned hummingbird at the feeder near the front door.

Black-Chinned Hummingbird at the Feeder

This is the most common type of hummingbird in our Boise backyard. It's a female black-chinned hummingbird. Only the adult males have a truly "black chin."

Rufous Hummingbird at Feeder

A rufous hummingbird at the back patio feeder - probably a female or immature male.

Hummingbird Shuns the Feeder

I put up two hummingbird feeders and have many hummingbird-friendly plants...and what does this guy like to eat? The little bugs that gather on the outdoor curtains.

Flower with a Court Jester Hat

This is the flower of a bee balm (Monarda) just starting to bloom. Hummingbirds really love these plants, and I have several in different colors.

Bee Balm Gone to Seed

This is a seed head from a bee balm plant. Bee balm is a favorite of bees and other pollinators, as well as black-chinned hummingbirds.