Hi and welcome kris,

The last migration map puts hummers about 100 miles to the south BUT I put out me feeder yesterday just in case any little guys are already in the area and need their jet fuel.

So I would say put your feeder out before you see the birds - they are probably around long before we see them. Also, most of the flowers you picked bloom after the hummers' spring migration.

If you have room look for more spring and fall bloomers. In the spring 'my' hummers love the Dropmore scarlet honeysuckle vine, it's not a very tall climber - 10 feet? - and more of a coral than true red. But it blooms right when the little guys are migrating spring and fall.

The hummers in my garden also like coral bells and native wild red columbine in spring.

In fall they love my russian sage. They are MOST attracted to red and orange but they'll explore any flower and the russian sage has a very long bloom season.

Annual petunias and geraniums are also enjoyed and balcony gardeners have attracted hummers with nothing else.

You shouldn't have trouble attracting hummers to a townhouse. Good luck and welcome!

Here is a link that might be useful: Hummingbirds.net

I put out my feeder too, although I haven't seen any birds yet. It's been in the low 30's at night and I'm in an apartment, so it's easy to nip out onto the balcony to bring it in in case of freeze. Last year, I had black and blue salvia, which they practically lived in, petit faucon clematis which they seemed attracted to, but I don't think they got anything from it, and "tiny mice" cupera (spelling?) and honeysuckle, both of which they seemed to like alot. I also had blue petunias and purple and pink geraniums, which they seemed to like too, but not as much as the salvia and the red/orange plants. Last year was my first attempt, and my small effort was greatly rewarded. May you enjoy many hummingbird summers. I used to live in Chadds Ford, just down the street from you.

Hi Kris! (This is my first post at the "Hmmingbird Forum".)

Must tell you about my townhome complex in CO. Many little tiny balconies, but we all make good use of them for the hummers. It CAN be done ... beautifully! They go for even petunias, but, at my house, the favorite plant is the
Fuchsia 'Thalia' -- See web page (if it works!) ;)

These long funnel shaped flowers are the rage for my hummers. They insert their whole beak into them, and nearly disappear into the blossom.

This is a very resiliant plant, and very, very easy to grow. Take caution that it won't blow over ... Mine did a few times, last summer, and I kept repotting it, and it continued to thrive. I tried many other varities, but this one is the ticket! You must try one this year, and next year, you'll fill your space with them. Or .. just fill it with them this year! I promise you, it's a winner!

Good luck, and may the sound of wings always be 'round your head!

PS: First Hummer tonight, Rocky Mountain Foothills - 6:30 PM at my Hummingbird feeder.

PPS: I came here for another reason. I'm posting a question about HUMMERS at my thistle feeder today.

note: Here's the fuchsia page in case the url link doesn't work: http://home.clara.net/tmac/garden/plants/fuchsia1.htm

Here is a link that might be useful: A Fuchsia Page

How in the world do you get fuchsia to grow in CO? I'm in Arvada and it's too dry here...I'll have to reconsider having a fuchsia outside again! :o)

Rachael

Rachael -- Hello Neighbor!

Yes, water, water, water ... I watered them every evening, and sometimes (when it was REAL hot) in the early morning as well. They did fine! I am soooo glad you saw this.

My pots blew off in micro-bursts, etc, but I'd scoop them up, and their soil, grab a new pot, and stick'em' back in. Nothing slowed them down. This IS do-able!

And, pruning them back (BIG HAIRCUTS) A COUPLE TIMES DURING THE SUMMER, BROUGHT THEM BACK LIKE STORM TROOPERS!

;)