A hummingbird skimming through the air at evening can very well be scooping up gnats or aphids. Ornithologists and students of animal physiology have been fascinated by the hummingbird's ability to lower their body temperature and heart rate at night to rest and conserve their food resources. Hummingbirds need nectar-rich flowers in the garden. They are most readily drawn to plants with brilliant red or orange tubular shaped flowers. Phygelius , which is nearly a shrub in many western Washington gardens, looks as if it were designed precisely to hummingbird specifications.
Hummingbird feeders give gardeners a chance to view the birds close-up.
Flowers will also provide intimate views. They do have enemies -crows, jays, and cats kill them. Be careful when filling hummingbird feeders. A frilled or decorated red edge on the feeder will draw the hummingbirds, so buying red liquid is unnecessary. Clean and refill often to prevent mold from growing on the sugar solution.