Think tall. Hummingbirds nest on Planning your garden – the branches of tall shrubs and trees, which provide cover and escape from predators. think like a hummingbird. Think safe harbor. Think diverse. Plant a diversity Domestic cats can kill Think perches. Hummingbirds of flowering species with abundant hummingbirds. Please pollen and nectar. Think native. Hummers are spend much of their time perched on keep them indoors. best adapted to local, native dead branches and dead tree tops— plants, which often need less resting or surveying their territory. Think chemical free. water than ornamentals. Pesticides and insecticides Think showy. Flowers kill insect pollinators and can should bloom in your Think patience. It takes time for native harm hummingbirds. garden throughout the plants to grow and for hummers to find your growing season. Plant garden, especially if you live far from wild willow, currant, and lands. columbine for spring, and aster, salvia, and Think bountiful. Plant big goldenrod for fall patches of each plant species flowers. for better foraging efficiency. Think aware. Observe hummingbirds when you walk outside in nature. Notice which flowers attract them. Think friendly. Create hummingbird-friendly gardens both at home, at schools and in public parks. Help people learn more about hummingbirds and native plants. Calliope Hummingbird feeding on scarlet paintbrush Think a little messy. Most insects nest underground or in leafy debris so avoid using weed cloth or heavy mulch. More insects mean more food for hummingbirds. Think water. Hummingbirds U.S. Forest Service will bathe in dripping water, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. shallow creeks and even garden Washington, DC 20250 sprinklers. Text: Susan Reel • Design and Illustrations: Nancy Seiler.