Hummingbirds are one of the smallest bird creatures and they can be found in most parts of the United States. Are you aware that you can find hummingbirds on Long island? In this article, we will be looking at some things to know about hummingbirds on Long island.
Long Island is one of the longest and biggest islands in New York also witnessed some species of hummingbirds. With over 300 species of hummingbirds, Ruby-throated hummers are the most commonly found on long island.
So, let’s delve into some info about hummingbirds on Long island.
Hummingbirds On Long Island
The vibrant colorful hummingbirds can also be found on Long Island. The most commonly spotted here are the emerald green hummingbird which is also known as the Ruby-throated hummingbird.
From around mid-April to early May, the Ruby-throated hummingbirds begin to make their journey from Central America and Mexico down to Long Island. By the end of May, Long island should have a good number of hummingbirds scattered around.
Where Can I See Hummingbirds On Long Island?
Finding hummingbirds on Long island may not be so easy because these birds are small-sized and they move so fast. But if you are focused or determined on seeing one, then you might get lucky.
If you wish to see hummingbirds on Long island, then aim your search by looking towards the middle of April or early May. This is the period hummingbirds usually migrate back to Long Island.
Hummingbirds can be seen in the Suffolk region which is at the eastern end of Long Island. You can as well find hummingbirds scattered all through Nassau counties. However, hummingbirds tend to favor the Pine Barrens areas.
You can also find these lustrous birds on Long island in places where their favorite flowers grow.
But if you’ve not been so lucky attracting hummingbirds to your gardens on Long Island and you wish to see them, then you can see them in some Long island parks. You can find hummingbirds in Long island parks such as Quogue Wildlife Refuge, Masomack Preserve, or Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge.
How Long Do Hummingbirds Stay On Long Island
As we’ve mentioned earlier, hummingbird migrates from Central America and Mexico and returns to Long island around spring (Mid-April to early May).
Then by October, the population of hummingbirds should begin to reduce in Long island as they migrate back to their wintering grounds.
Attracting Hummingbirds On Long Island
Hummingbird ushers in their fascinating activities and colorful vibes with their physical features. This is why hummingbird enthusiast loves to attract these charming birds to their yards.
There are some things you can do to conveniently attract these iridescent hummers to your vicinity if you live on Long Island.
Below are some general tips you can follow to successfully attract hummingbirds to your yards. So, follow all these tips and keep your eyes peeled if you wish to attract hummingbirds on Long island.
1. Put out feeders
One popular way to attract hummingbirds is by putting out a nectar solution feeder. This nectar solution is made from 4 parts water and 1 part granulated sugar.
Make sure you hang these feeders at appropriate spots and heights. Ensure your feeders are not positioned in a sunny spot because heat can cause fermentation. Fermentation tends to reduce the quality of the nectar solution which hummingbirds will find unpleasant.
Also, make sure you regularly clean the hummingbird feeders and refill them at appropriate periods.
2. Plant flowers that attract hummingbirds
Another useful tip that can help attract hummingbirds to your garden is to plant flowers that have been known to lure hummingbirds. These flowers are usually colorful and because hummingbirds love these flowers, you can easily entice them with them.
Some of these flowers include trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm, cardinal flower, and so on.
3. Decorate your garden with red and other bright colors
Red has been particularly known to lure these sweet hummers. Other bright colors such as orange, pink, blue, and so on can as well attract hummingbirds.
So, you can simply get a ribbon or a piece of cloth and tie them around visible spots in your garden. You can tie them around trees, bushes, deck railing, or any place that is close to your feeders or flowers.
Doing this can navigate these birds to look down from the sky and get a closer look around your garden. Then when these birds get to your garden, they can find your feeders and flowers.
4. Plant flowers that bloom strategically
When planting flowers to attract hummingbirds, you should be strategic with planting flowers that bloom. You can achieve this by going for plants that have different blooming periods.
For instance, for early flowers, you can go for a ready to bloom hanging basket of fuchsia. Then for midsummer flowers, you should choose a fast-growing Salvia species. Then for late summer and fall, you should go for a late-blooming flower like the trumpet creeper.
You can seek advice from a local gardening expert on the blooming schedules and the seasons for your areas, the soil type, and the climate.
By doing this, you will be ensuring hummingbirds have access to sweet nectar. So, these birds will always be encouraged to visit and hang around your gardens.
5. Rejuvenate your old feeders
Once you’ve noticed that the red part on your hummingbird feeders is fading off, you should repaint them. Before you hang your feeder after you are done painting, make sure the paint on your feeder is totally dry.
6. Introduce a very shallow mister birdbath
Just like other birds, hummingbird also appreciates the movement of water. Hummingbird loves birdbath because they need to wash off all those sticky nectars after sipping nectar multiple times a day. Just make sure the bath is a very shallow one and it has a good perching side.
Conclusion
So, in this article, we have discussed some useful information about hummingbirds on Long island. In this discussion, we also mentioned ways you can attract hummingbirds to your garden.
We also talked about the period hummingbirds arrive on Long Island and some places you can find hummingbirds on Long island.
