I lived in old town Alexandria the past few years and regularly saw hummingbirds in my yard and my neighbors’ yards. They’re attracted to any area with lots of flowers that produce nectar. My go-to hummingbird plant is zinnias, especially the giant ones (you can grow them in containers if you have limited space). They grow amazingly well in our hot summers and attracted hummingbirds as well as goldfinch. I would see hummingbirds several times a day for months, although I typically didn’t start seeing them with regularity until at least late May/early June. If you’re trying to see them in Alexandria I’d suggest walking through the alleys behind the houses rather than the sidewalk in the front as you’ll be more likely to spot them in the flowering trees and there’s fewer people/traffic to scare them off. They can be shy so if you can find a spot that is relatively calm you’ll have a better chance of seeing them. They have to feed very frequently so if you figure out where they feed you shouldn’t have to wait long to spot them. I used to see mine about every 2 hours starting around 6/7am. Good luck!
thevneck t1_jd7akd7 wrote
Reply to So it’s Hummingbird migration season and I’ve been wanting to see one in real life but have yet to luck out. Any tips or locations I can head to see one? by SimpleCheesecake9535
I lived in old town Alexandria the past few years and regularly saw hummingbirds in my yard and my neighbors’ yards. They’re attracted to any area with lots of flowers that produce nectar. My go-to hummingbird plant is zinnias, especially the giant ones (you can grow them in containers if you have limited space). They grow amazingly well in our hot summers and attracted hummingbirds as well as goldfinch. I would see hummingbirds several times a day for months, although I typically didn’t start seeing them with regularity until at least late May/early June. If you’re trying to see them in Alexandria I’d suggest walking through the alleys behind the houses rather than the sidewalk in the front as you’ll be more likely to spot them in the flowering trees and there’s fewer people/traffic to scare them off. They can be shy so if you can find a spot that is relatively calm you’ll have a better chance of seeing them. They have to feed very frequently so if you figure out where they feed you shouldn’t have to wait long to spot them. I used to see mine about every 2 hours starting around 6/7am. Good luck!