As surprising as it may seem, finding a hummingbird in your garage is not entirely uncommon. Hummingbirds are naturally very curious creatures and they will explore any area that grabs their attention. There are a few key reasons why a hummingbird may end up inside your garage:
1. Shelter from Bad Weather
Hummingbirds are small, delicate birds that can easily become overwhelmed by stormy weather. Your garage likely provides shelter from rain, wind and other elements. If a hummingbird gets caught in a downpour or thunderstorm, it will seek the nearest cover for protection. An open garage door is a perfect refuge for a tiny hummingbird in distress.
2. Searching for Food
Hummingbirds need to eat very frequently to maintain their high metabolisms and energy levels. They consume nectar, tree sap, small insects and spiders. If your garage has visible cobwebs, boxes with bugs or leftover drips of syrup or soda – it may start looking like an all-you-can-eat buffet to a hungry hummingbird. Even if you keep a tidy garage, the hummingbird may still fly inside searching for food sources.
3. Attracted by Red Objects
Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the color red, as they associate it with nectar-producing flowers. They have excellent color vision and can spot red objects from far away. Any bright red items in your garage, such as cans, tools, toys or even clothing may catch the eye of a curious hummingbird. Seeing the red objects, it flies down to investigate if they are edible flowers.
4. Looking for Nesting Sites
Hummingbirds build incredibly tiny nests about the size of a walnut. They use soft plant down held together by spider webs, lining the insides with soft plant fibers. As she searches for appropriate nesting materials, a female hummingbird may fly into your garage if she spots fluffy insulation, cotton clumps or other useful bits. She could also check out garages for protected areas to build a nest away from predators.
5. Examining Its Reflection
Hummingbirds are intensely territorial creatures despite their small size. Males will aggressively defend their feeding grounds from intruders or other males. When a hummingbird sees its own reflection in a shiny surface, it perceives an “intruder” in its territory. This can happen with mirrors, windows or even parked cars inside a garage. The hummingbird will fly towards the reflection repeatedly to scare off the “invader”.
6. Mistaking Garage for a Cave or Tunnel
Hummingbirds frequently rest in protected areas such as treetop leaves, bushes or cavities in cliffs. If your garage door is open, the interior space may resemble a small cave or tunnel to the hummingbird. It might enter the shaded garage seeking a safe resting spot away from predators. Semi-enclosed spaces appeal to hummingbirds when they need to conserve energy.
7. Attracted by Nectar Feeders
Many people hang hummingbird feeders near their garage or on the eaves. The smell of the sugary nectar will rapidly grab the notice of any hummingbirds in your yard. A hummingbird may accidentally fly into the garage itself while energetically darting toward its food source. Be sure your feeders are a safe distance from the garage opening.
8. Trapped by Closing Garage Door
If a garage door closes while a hummingbird is investigating the interior space, it can accidentally trap the bird inside. Even if you do not see the hummingbird fly in, it may already be hidden among storage items. When the garage door shuts, the exit path is blocked off. Always check carefully for hummingbirds before closing your garage.
9. Seeking Cooler Temperatures
On very hot days, hummingbirds look for cooler areas to rest and save energy. If your garage is shaded and significantly cooler than outside temperatures, it will appear inviting. The hummingbird may fly inside and perch atop a ledge or beam, fluffing its feathers to release excess heat.
10. Curious About Noises and Activity
Hummingbirds have a natural curiosity about their surroundings. From their perspective, a garage may seem like an interesting and appealing location to explore. If they hear noises coming from the garage such as people working, tools running or other intriguing sounds, hummingbirds may investigate the source.
What to Do if There is a Hummingbird in Your Garage
While encountering a hummingbird in your garage may be startling, there is no need to panic. Here are some tips on safely relocating your surprise guest back outside:
1. Remain calm and quiet
A frantic human can frighten a small hummingbird. Move slowly and avoid making loud noises. Try to gently coax it towards the open garage door.
2. Keep garage door open
If possible, press the button to lift the garage door again. This will allow the hummingbird to fly out at its own pace. Don’t force it outside or swing at it.
3. Avoid using brooms
Swatting at a hummingbird can injure it. Never use a broom or other sweeping motions to drive it outside.
4. Remove food sources
Eliminate any sweet drinks, sticky spills or fruit that could be attracting the hummingbird. This removes temptation for it to re-enter later.
5. Turn off fans and garage door openers
Power down any electronics in the garage like fans or automatic garage door openers. These may startle the hummingbird or put it at risk of injury.
6. Provide a clear exit path
Gently shoo the hummingbird in the direction of the open garage door without getting too close. It will eventually find its way out if given a clear flying path.
7. Allow time for the hummingbird to leave
Have patience as the tiny bird zips around looking for the exit. Avoid chasing or grabbing at it. The hummingbird will fly away on its own soon.
8. Call for assistance if needed
In rare cases, the hummingbird may be too exhausted or weak to leave. Call a local wildlife rehabilitation center for expert advice and rescue.
Preventing Future Hummingbird Incursions
To discourage hummingbirds from entering your garage in the future, here are some tips:
1. Keep garage door closed
Only open your garage when necessary and close it promptly after use. This blocks access and removes the temptation for hummingbirds.
2. Install mesh screens
Cover open windows or vents in your garage with tight mesh screens. The small grid will allow airflow but exclude hummingbirds.
3. Seal food sources
Store sugary drinks, syrups or fruit securely sealed or in the refrigerator. Clean any spills thoroughly. This removes food targets drawing hummingbirds in.
4. Remove red-colored objects
Take down any bright red items such as cans, fabric or children’s toys. The red will no longer catch the hummingbirds’ attention.
5. Position hummingbird feeders correctly
Place hummingbird feeders at least 10 feet away from garage openings. This prevents accidental entry near the food source.
6. Apply decals to windows
Hummingbirds may be drawn to their reflection in garage windows. Apply decals or hang ribbons to break up the reflection and deter this behavior.
7. Keep garage interior clutter-free
Avoid leaving piles of junk or open nooks inside your garage. Hummingbirds may mistake clutter for nesting sites or hiding spots.
8. Install a wind chime near garage door
The sounds of chimes or bells catch hummingbirds’ attention, warning them away from the opening they create.
Why Hummingbird Welfare Matters
While having a hummingbird suddenly appear in your garage can be disruptive, it is important to understand their perspective. Hummingbirds are intelligent, unique creatures that play a vital role in nature’s balance. Here are some reasons why caring for hummingbirds correctly matters:
Pollination Help
Hummingbirds carry pollen from flower to flower during their feeding routines. This pollination process is crucial for plants to bear fruits, seeds and new growth. Protecting hummingbirds protects pollination.
Insect Control
Hummingbirds eat large quantities of tiny insects every day. Fewer hummingbirds means insect pest populations could rise. Hummingbirds naturally control bugs.
Fascinating Behavior
Hummingbirds are wonderful to observe with unique traits like blazing speed, midair stunts, innate intelligence and remarkable memories. They enrich neighborhoods.
Declining Populations
Habitat loss and climate change causes hummingbird numbers to fall in certain areas. Human care helps stabilize vulnerable populations.
Delicate Appearance
Hummingbirds have beautifully iridescent plumage and intricate details. Their miniaturized size makes them exceptionally enchanting to see up close.
Amazing Migrators
Hummingbirds brave remarkably long migrations for their tiny size. Some species travel over 2,800 miles between breeding and wintering grounds. Their resilience is inspiring.
Positive Mental Health Benefits
Studies show that interacting with nature, including bird-watching, lowers stress hormones, elevates mood and improves cognitive function in humans.
Key Takeaways
Finding a stray hummingbird in your garage may catch you off guard but stay positive. Avoid panicking, making loud noises or chasing the misdirected hummingbird. Gently coax it towards the open garage door so it can freely fly outside again. Take simple precautions like closing the garage when not in use, removing food sources and keeping feeders away from the garage entrance. With calmness and care, you can ensure the hummingbird safely returns to its natural habitat.
