When a hummingbird hovers in front of your face, the bird is just checking you out. This common hummingbird hovering behavior is safe. Your red shirt or shiny earrings might look like a flower.
I had my first face-to-face hover while deadheading petunias in my garden. A female hovered three inches from my nose for five full seconds. My heart nearly stopped. She seemed just as surprised to find a person there. Then she zipped over to the nearby feeder.
Hummingbirds see colors that you and I cannot. Their eyes pick up ultraviolet light on top of red, green, and blue. Your red hat or pink lipstick might glow like a neon sign to them. This hummingbird curious behavior drives them to check out anything that looks like food.
These tiny birds learn fast and have sharp memories. They connect people with food sources when they watch you fill feeders. A hummingbird approaching humans often means the bird knows you bring good things. Regular gardeners become part of the landscape in the bird's mind.
I wear a red bandana when I work in my hummingbird garden now. The same female visits me every morning while I check the plants. She hovers near my shoulder and waits. I think she knows the feeder gets refilled when I show up. We have a routine now that I look forward to.
You can invite these close encounters with a few simple tricks. Wear bright colors when you garden. Red, orange, and pink work best to catch their attention. Stand still near your flowering plants and wait. Quick movements scare them off, but your patience pays off.
Hold a feeder in your hand if you want the full experience. Fill a small handheld feeder with fresh sugar water. Sit near your regular feeder and hold the handheld one at arm's length. Stay still for ten to fifteen minutes. The bravest birds will feed from your hand.
These encounters feel special because hummingbirds are so wild and free. They choose to approach you on their own terms. That tiny bird at your face picked you out of the whole garden to inspect. Take it as a sign that your garden makes them feel safe and welcome.
Never try to touch or grab a hummingbird during these moments. Just enjoy the visit and let the bird leave when it wants. Your stillness and calm energy will bring more visits over time. Soon you might have your own daily visitor who knows your face and routine.
Read the full article: Hummingbird Friendly Flowers for Your Garden
