Hummingbirds
Native Hummingbirds
There are two species of Hummingbirds native to B.C. Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna) may stay here all year, while the smaller Rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) migrate south during winter and join us at the time of the first Salmonberrys blooming in Spring. Though not a natural occurence, human interaction through feeders have caused some Anna's to stay the winter in BC.
Hummingbirds prefer native species to nest and makes homes in, particularily Sambucus, Arctostaphylos. They are found in open forest, thicket and meadows; preferring habitat that they can get a good vantagepoint to watch for predators. They prefer residential areas because of the abundance of flowers and open areas. Anna's nest in deciduous trees and shrubs in residential areas. Rufous hummingbirds choose coniferous trees, deciduous trees and vine tangles. Diet is often nectar, tree sap, and a large portion of insects and spiders. Anna's Hummingbirds prefer a diet more balanced with insects than other species, so it's important to have native shrubs to support them. Willow species in particular are great for supporting your hummingbirds. Avoiding pesticides and other harmful chemicals will help keep your fliers safe. Studies show your yard needs between 400 and 1000 flowers to support one bird, so get planting! They drink from each flower 2-3 times per day and make beween 1000 to 2000 visits per flower every day! Hummingbirds see red best, but nectar content is more important.

Spring flowers
Camas spp.- Camassia quamash, C. leitchtlinii
Columbine - Aquilegia formosa
Western Bleeding heart- Dicentra formosa
Summer flowers

Bee Balm - Monarda fistulosa
Coral bells - Heuchera micrantha
Farewell-to-spring - Clarkia amoena
Oregon Iris - Iris tenax
Menzie's Delphinium - Delphinium menziesii
Nodding Onion - Allium cerrnuum
Lupin - Lupinus polyphyllus
Paintbrush - Catillejia hispidula, C. miniata.
Penstemon - Penstemon spp.
Spreading phlox - Phlox diffusa.
Honeysuckle - Lonicera ciliosa

Fall flowers
Fireweed - Epilobium angustifolium
Goatsbeard - Aruncus diocusa
Goldenrod - Solidago lepida
Henderson's checkermallow - Sidelcea hendersonii
Monkeyflower - Mimulus guttatus, M. lewisii
Try to plant so that you always have at least one native in bloom at any given time throughout the growing season. This will ensure there is always food available for your hummingbirds.

Trees
Madrone - Arbutus menziesii
Pacific Dogwood - Cornus Nuttallii
Black Hawthorne - Crataegus douglasii
Pacific crabapple- Malus fusca
Bitter Cherry Prunus emarginata
Chokecherry - Prusus viginiana
Willows - Salix spp.
Also try to have at least a couple of shrubs to attract insects for your birds to feast on. Or in the case of spiders, to use the silk for nest construction.

Spring Flowering shrubs
Indian Plum - Oemleria cerasiformis
Oregon grape - Mahonia aquilifolium
Red Flowering Currant - Ribes sanguineum
Salmonberry - Rubus spectabilis
Evergreen Huckleberry - Vacinnium ovatum
Blue Elderberry - Sambucus cerulea
Summer Flowering shrubs
Evergreen Huckleberry - Vacinnium ovatum
Manzanita - Arctostaphylos columbiana
Oceanspray - Holodiscus discolor
Pacific Rhododendron - Rhododendron macrophyllum
Red Huckleberry - Vaccinium parvifolium
Red-twig dogwood - Cornus stolonifera
Serviceberry - Amelanchior alnifolia
Sitka Mountain ash - Sorbus sitchensis
Snowberry - Symphoricarpos albus
Spirea - Spirea douglasii
Wild Azalea - Rhododendron occidentale