Birdwatchers use a variety of means to attract hummingbirds; they are, after all, among our most attractive and fascinating birds. Some of us use traditional feeders, filled with sweet, homemade nectar, while others plant a variety of flowering plants, such as trumpet vine, that hummingbirds visit. Of course, a source of clean, fresh water is also effective, as with all birds.
Yesterday evening, while watering a row of chokecherries and lilacs, I discovered the most effective means of attracting hummingbirds that I had yet to experience. Within a few minutes of spraying the shrubs with my patented thumb-pressure method, broad-tailed hummingbirds began to arrive from all directions, dipping through the mist or perching near the edge of the spray to cleanse their feathers. At least ten individuals took advantage of the shower though only a few were bold enough to receive a thorough soaking; the latter group, relishing the downpour, were oblivious to my presence, offering a very close view of their attractive plumage.
This shower method of drawing in hummingbirds was surely augmented by our recent hot weather and dearth of rainfall. It was easy to empathize with the joy of their discovery and I was hesitant to move on until their enthusiasm waned. Like the hummingbirds and the plants, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
