This Overripe Fruit Will Have Hummingbirds Flocking To Your Yard

There seems to be no end to the measures many will take to attract hummingbirds to their yard. There is always concern and debate as to the best time to put out hummingbird feeders. Many bird enthusiasts will plant trees to attract hummingbirds, while gardeners will often add color to their garden in an effort to make their backyard more enticing to these tiny avians. However, many don't realize they can use part of their breakfast to attract these diminutive birds as well.

Bananas are a popular part of a morning meal and often recommended by health professionals as part of a healthy diet. But, while bananas pack plenty of healthy benefits, they also have the somewhat unusual trait of continuing to ripen after they are picked. This often leads to having a bunch (no pun intended) of overripe bananas. Traditionally, once they are too ripe for eating alone, bananas have been used to make a variety of baked goods. Some also use overripe bananas in gardens and to feed potted plants. But, when used properly, overripe bananas will have hummingbirds flocking to your yard.

When most people think of attracting hummingbirds, they think of providing a source of nectar. Whether it be through a feeder full of liquid or with a flowering plant, nectar is considered the primary food source for hummingbirds. While it is true that nectar is a critical component of a hummingbird's diet, they also need protein. In fact, although nectar is widely used to attract them to yards, a hummingbird's diet is actually overwhelmingly comprised of insects.

To that end, overripe bananas themselves don't actually attract hummingbirds. Rather, they attract fruit flies, which hummingbirds love to eat. So, essentially, you are attracting a food source, which, in turn, attracts hummingbirds.

The process of using bananas to pull in hummingbirds is quite simple. You can actually toss banana peels or overripe bananas on the ground in areas close to where hummingbirds typically nest or feed. If you place them in your garden, you'll get the added benefit of providing nutrients to your garden soil. However, according to the National Audubon Society, the best method to utilize overripe bananas to attract hummingbirds is to hang them in a basket near a nectar feeder or nesting area. If you don't have a low lying tree branch handy, you can utilize a hanging hook such as the Ottsuls Shepherd Hook to position the basket of bananas in an appropriate place.