Wildlife Fact of the Day! #3 Hummingbird
Hello, young explorers! Are you ready for another exciting wildlife adventure? Today, we are going to learn a fantastic fact about the amazing creatures who share our beautiful planet. So buckle up, grab your explorer hat, and let's dive in!
Fact of the Day: Hummingbirds
Did you know that the hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backward? These tiny birds have wings that move incredibly fast, allowing them to hover in midair and even fly backwards. They can flap their wings up to 80 times per second! Hummingbirds are also known for their vibrant feathers and their ability to drink nectar from flowers using their long, slender beaks.
How fascinating is that? Now, let's think about how we can help protect hummingbirds and their habitat.
How Can You Help?
Here are some fun and easy ways you can make a big difference:
Create a hummingbird-friendly yard: Plant native flowers like trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm, and hummingbird sage in your garden. These plants provide plenty of nectar for hummingbirds to feed on and attract them to your yard. Avoid using pesticides that can harm these tiny birds.
Keep hummingbird feeders clean: If you have a hummingbird feeder, make sure to clean it regularly. Dirty feeders can spread diseases among hummingbirds. Use feeders that are easy to clean thoroughly to keep the birds safe and healthy.
Make homemade hummingbird nectar: Instead of using store-bought nectar, you can make your own hummingbird food at home. Mix one part refined white sugar with four parts water (for example, 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water). Avoid using honey, brown sugar, or artificial dyes. Fill your hummingbird feeder with the homemade nectar and replace it every few days to keep it fresh.
Remember, every little bit helps. Your actions today will protect our wildlife friends and ensure they're around for future explorers to marvel at!
That's all for today, young explorers. Keep your curiosity alive and keep exploring. Stay tuned for more amazing wildlife facts in our next post!
Keep on exploring!
