Atlanta Summer 2026
A comprehensive guide to attracting and maintaining populations of American Crows and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in your Atlanta backyard.
American Crow
Year-round resident
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
March – October
Part 1
Can recognize individual humans and remember faces for years. They form lasting relationships and may even bring you gifts.
Eat insects, grubs, mice, and garden pests. They also help clean up carrion and food waste.
Will alert you to predators like hawks and cats with distinctive alarm calls. Your backyard’s built-in security.
| Food | Details | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Peanuts (in shell) | 49% fat, 26% protein — their #1 favorite | Must Have |
| Dry Dog/Cat Kibble | High protein, convenient | Must Have |
| Whole Kernel Corn | Cheap (~$10/50lbs), high carbs | Great Addition |
| Suet Cakes | High fat, especially good in cooler weather | Great Addition |
| Hard-Boiled Eggs | Protein-rich treat | Occasional |
| Fruit | Apples, grapes, berries, melon chunks | Occasional |
| Black Oil Sunflower Seeds | Secondary food they'll eat | Supplement |
Crows are too large for standard feeders. They need open, stable platforms.
Crows use water for drinking AND dunking food. They soak hard foods before eating.
Crows are social — seeing “other crows” can attract them initially. Start with food/water first.
Feed at the same time daily (morning works best). Same location every time. Crows will learn your schedule.
Play crow calls from your phone initially. Once they find you, stop — they'll remember.
Large trees are ideal. Sturdy horizontal perches like fence rails or deck railings work too.
No wind chimes near feeding area. No reflective tape or scare devices. Secure loose squeaky gates.
Ground feeders work better. Place 15–20 feet from cover (trees, shrubs) so they can escape predators.
Part 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird is Georgia’s only nesting species, present March–October. Peak activity in Atlanta: May–August.
| Product | Price | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Aspects HummZinger HighView 12oz | ~$25–30 | #1 rated — saucer style, drip-free, easy clean, built-in ant moat |
| Sewanta Hummingbird Feeder | ~$20 | Best overall value, easy to clean |
| Pennington Glass Feeder 16oz | ~$15–20 | Budget-friendly, good capacity |
| More Birds Diamond Glass 30oz | ~$30–35 | Built-in ant moat, beautiful design |
Recommendation: 6–8 feeders per half-acre. Place 2–3 in open sunshine (attracts territorial males), remaining in semi-shade (females, juveniles).
The Only Recipe You Need
4 : 1
Four parts water, one part sugar
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Change nectar | Every 2–3 days | More often if cloudy or 90°F+ |
| Clean feeder | With each refill | Hot water + bottle brush |
| Deep clean | Weekly | 1 part bleach : 10 parts water, rinse well |
| Check for mold | Daily | Black spots = immediate deep clean |
| Refill ant moat | As needed | Every few days in summer heat |
Combine feeders with these plants for the ultimate hummingbird garden.
Part 3
Essential Only
$298
Crow + Hummingbird supplies
Full Setup
$765
Everything including native plants
Part 4
March
April – August
Weekly
Monthly
September – October
Part 5
No crows in area
Play crow calls from phone to attract scouts
Crows see food but won't land
Feeder too exposed — move closer to trees/cover
Squirrels stealing food
Use a baffle or switch to in-shell peanuts
Other birds dominating
Feed crows separately, earlier in morning
No visitors at all
Move feeder to more visible location (they need to find it)
Nectar going bad quickly
Change every 1–2 days in 90°F+ weather
Bees taking over
Add bee guards, smear cooking oil on flowers
One aggressive male monopolizing
Add more feeders, spread them out
Cloudy/fermented nectar
Change immediately, deep clean feeder
The Garden Club of Georgia and Georgia DNR run the Hummingbird Haven Program encouraging homeowners to create hummingbird habitats. Consider registering your yard!
Quick Reference
4:1
Four parts water, one part sugar
Boil water → Add sugar → Cool → Fill → Refrigerate extra